The 2025 Emancipation Festival will be launched on Friday, May 23rd in what would be a scaling back of international artistes and a high concentration on local performers compared to previous years.
This was revealed by Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge Smith during the Government’s Virgin Islands Voice Programme Wednesday evening.
According to her planning is underway by the various sub committees.
Hodge Smith emphasized that the public would hear more about the celebrations during the launch such as naming the village honoree as well as the Parade Marshall.
A contentious issue over the years is persons clamoring for the village nights to be free, since the territory is celebrating its emancipation from slavery.
However, Hodge Smith said this may not happen this year as there is a cost to run the festival.
