Sanctuary Troupe has become a magnetic force in the Crucian Christmas Festival, earning the title “the small troupe with the big vibes” from global sensation DJ Avalanche. This is a troupe that has redefined what it means to take to the streets, blending celebration with an intent that feels radical. Sanctuary brings to the festival a layered, reverent, and undeniably vibrant energy. Their approach doesn’t reject the feathers and jewels Carnival is known for – instead, they draw from a different well, one that honors the Virgin Islands’ rich traditions while delivering joy with every step.
This year, Sanctuary Troupe’s theme, Find Yourself in the Goddess Calypso: A Crucian Odyssey, is an invitation for festival-goers to immerse themselves in the mythology and spiritual depth of the Caribbean. Calypso, the sea goddess from Homer’s epic, embodies allure, mystery, and the transformative power of the ocean. Yet she also reflects the essence of Olokun, the powerful West African deity of the sea – a force that guards the deep but can be fierce and unpredictable, embodying both creation and destruction.
For Virgin Islanders, the sea is much like Calypso and Olokun: more than water, it’s an elemental force, a preserver of stories, a vessel of memory, and a source of both survival and joy. Sanctuary Troupe captures this profound connection in their celebration, not just through their costumes, which carry a bold yet grounded aesthetic. This is a troupe that knows how to “whine,” how to let loose – but their revelry comes with purpose. For them, every costume, every step, every moment in the parade is about reclaiming space and celebrating what makes the Virgin Islands unique.
Sommer Sibilly-Brown, a core member and passionate host for the troupe’s 2024-2025 costume launch, summed it up best: “We are standing up for our own revolution. This is not just about costumes, music, or celebration. It’s about honoring the good traditions that shaped us and the spirit of those who came before us – and yes, it’s about having the time of our lives in the streets!” Sanctuary Troupe blends reverence and revelry seamlessly, bringing a pride that goes beyond appearances to something that feels essential, something rooted in the depths of Virgin Islands history.
The troupe’s vision is supported by this year’s ambassadors: Olivia Walton from the St. Croix Environmental Association, Kelcie Troutman of the St. Croix East End Marine Park, and Shaquille Petersen, a creative entrepreneur and advocate for Virgin Islands culture. Together, they champion the message that heritage and environment are intertwined, essential elements that sustain the islands’ communities. “Our duty to these waters and lands is as essential as the stories we tell,” Kelcie shared at the troupe’s launch, grounding the festival’s celebration in a sense of environmental responsibility.
Sanctuary’s journey has been supported by those who see the beauty and purpose in their approach. Shamari Haynes, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, recognized the unique cultural depth Sanctuary brought to the Crucian Christmas Festival, embracing their distinctive style and vision. Viya, too, partnered with Sanctuary early on, recognizing that the troupe’s fresh perspective could reshape the festival’s narrative, making it not only about festivity but about identity and pride. With their support, Sanctuary Troupe has been able to take to the streets with the confidence to honor, evolve, and celebrate their heritage with a big-hearted joy that’s hard to resist.
Sanctuary Troupe’s tribute to the “Pitchy Patchy” masqueraders is one of their most moving gestures. In more recent history, the West End Masqueraders under Asta Williams has been stewarding the fleeting tradition with deep-rooted homage to the West African Egungun practice of safeguarding communities. In Sanctuary’s hands, the homage feels like a bridge between eras, embodying the sacred spirit of ancestors while inviting modern revelers to connect with the past Watch their homage to Pitchy Patchy masquerader here:
Sibilly-Brown posed a question to everyone involved this year: “What about this place makes you feel safe, sacred, and honored?” For Sanctuary Troupe, the answer is found in the streets, in the community, and in the culture they represent.
This is a troupe that knows how to “whine,” how to dance, how to let loose – but their revelry comes with purpose. For them, every costume, every step, every moment in the parade is about reclaiming space and celebrating what makes the Virgin Islands unique. Tiffany’s words, “We are telling a story,” resonate with the power of a narrative that is alive, not frozen in time but evolving with each new generation. Sanctuary Troupe reminds everyone watching that Carnival isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a celebration with roots that run deep, and a vision that honors both the past and the future.Sanctuary Troupe may be small, but their impact is undeniable. They’ve infused the Crucian Christmas Festival with an energy that feels both old and new, both reverent and free. They’re here to revel, to remember, and to redefine what Carnival can mean for the Virgin Islands – one vibrant, powerful, joyous step at a time.
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