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Summer is synonymous with fun. With the sunny weather and relaxed atmosphere this season brings, many people look forward to exciting activities with friends and family. For some Caribbean islands, summer also means festivals and Statia is no exception. The entire month of July is dedicated to colourful, music-filled cultural extravaganzas culminating with carnival. For the traveller whose interest lies in immersive cultural adventures, a summer trip to Statia is a must.

On Statia this year, the month of July started off with Emancipation Day celebrations – an apt precursor to the events that are now in full swing and will be for the next few weeks – the celebration of freedom expressed with music and revelry. On the calendar of events, you’ll find a musical, wet fete, bazaar, silent party and more. On Friday, July 22nd, the island’s official carnival festival will begin.

In the period that follows, there will be parades, a night for the youths, a night of culture, Miss Mature Pageant, calypso and soca competition, then the highly anticipated Jouvert parade and reunion jam moves things into high gear. The carnival festival will continue on its upward electrifying trajectory with a vibrant street parade where colourful, costumed masqueraders, accompanied by pulsating local music carried on trucks customized for this purpose dance their way through the streets of Oranjestad. With DJs and live bands galvanizing masqueraders into seemingly well-practiced gyrations to the captivating sounds of the music-trucks, spectators will find it difficult not to shake a leg as the parade goes by. But if you miss the chance to dance along with masqueraders and other locals, the “last lap” jump-up on August 1st presents another opportunity. This is the ultimate culmination of carnival and a perfect way to participate in a community activity with music being at the center of it all.

For the past two years, Covid-19 negatively affected this event. In 2020, no carnival was held. In 2021 the island recorded minimal cases and no deaths so islanders enjoyed a modified version.  This year, with travel restrictions being eased around the world and travellers venturing out again, islanders are glad to have their festival back in all its glory; glad to welcome Statians from the diaspora back home and eager have visitors come to the island to share this experience with them.

Why not make Statia your summer vacation choice? If carnival experiences are what you seek visit Statia. It’s not too late to book your trip! July on Statia is magical and mesmerizing. Go experience it.

By Nancy Baye

 

I recently visited the Caribbean gem of St. Eustatius, quickly falling into calling it by its local term of endearment, Statia. It didn’t take long to see why people fall in love with this place.

At the end of one day chockful of adventures, I was able to spend some time at a small beach near the harbor called Gallows bay (Oranje Bay). While digging my feet into the warm black sand, careful not to disturb any precious turtle eggs, which had reportedly just been checked on by the folks at STENAPA, I savored the calm and quiet that make Statia the ideal destination for a tranquil escape. Then I floated in the sea, taking in the sailboats, dive boats and other vessels tethered in the snug cove that boasts 18th century relics.

Refreshed and ready to refuel, I made the short walk to The Blue Bead Bar and Restaurant, one of the many lovely places that dot this strip of Statia.

Elevated and just across the street from the beach, the establishment offers a beautiful view. Their relaxed stylish Caribbean atmosphere, with its bright yellow and blue color scheme, open air dining room and friendly staff make it all the more inviting.
Blue Bead has a reputation for its pizzas, but the kitchen goes beyond those to include a wide range of menu items: burgers, ribs, curries, steak, baked chicken, vegetarian options, and more. The choice was tough, but I decided on slow roasted lamb. And I’m glad I did—it was succulent and big on flavor. I was delighted to find one of my personal favorites on the side—potatoes au gratin—which were richly divine.

As the place filled with locals and a few tourists, I had a chance to see some of the meals I had to pass up, all of which looked delish, with hearty portion sizes, and very reasonable prices. Blue Bead advertises some great specials also, with two for one deals, select $20 entrees, and fixed price holiday menus.
Amidst the happy hubbub of the dinner hour were a few faces I recently met, and this led to some warm tableside chat. And as if the night couldn’t get better, we all got to revel in a magnificent sunset over the harbor.