The Virgin Gorda Community is celebrating 13 years of Christmas in Spanish Town this weekend and booth holders are not entertaining the thought that the number 13 is a “jinxed number” as even though the opening day December 7, 2012 saw a handful of people passing by and not buying much, they were optimistic that “things would pick up in the night and on the final day today Saturday. Photo: VINO

Some of the items at the booths at the Christmas in Spanish Town village. Photo: VINO

Lovely candies on sale at Christmas in Spanish Town. Photo: VINO

Lots of toys, which are sure to get children very excited but parents nervous, can be found at the booths. Photo: VINO

Christmas in Spanish Town booth holders are optimistic that "all's well that ends well" and expects the village to attract a number of visitors on the final day today December 8, 2012. Photo: VINO

There wasn’t much ‘Christmas music’ belting out from the loud sound system but a few persons were nevertheless doing a dance move here and there, including to the ever popular “Gangnam Style” and flocking the bar, which seemed the busiest business by far after the food stall on Lee Road.

Among the items available at the some 18 booths counted were lovely fruit punches made on spot, magnificently and colourfully designed candies in keeping with the spirit of Christmas, cakes, lots of toys, which are sure to get children very excited but parents nervous, perfume, clothing, foot wear, women’s accessories and cell phones. The coconut vendor can also be found nearby.

Although the afternoon did not bring many to the ‘Christmas village’, a few of the vendors said they were not too worried as they expected more persons to visit during the night, including from the main island of Tortola.

The event continues today from 10:00 A.M. and extends throughout the night with a bit of something for everyone, according to the Christmas in Spanish Town Committee.

“I remember coming to this event as a young child and enjoying the music and seeing what the vendors had to offer. Now that I can finally add to this community event I am going to put all my efforts into continuing the legacy of Christmas in Spanish Town. This year we have a packed line-up for entertainment, including Caribbean Ecstasy, Hardcore Band, Hart Atack Band from the USVI, and a “Scratch Off” with the Lashing Dogs, Razor Blades, Leon & the Hot Shots and VG Flavour.  This year promises to be a great one,” newly appointed Coordinator of the Christmas in Spanish Town Committee, Sasha Flax said in a press release.

“Patrons will be able to hear local artistes performing folk, steel pan, electronic and scratch band music; consume local foods and drinks, and watch our talented youth as a number of school bands and dance groups have consented to participate.”

Mrs. Shereen Flax-Charles, Sister Islands Tourism Development Manager of BVITB had expressed her enthusiasm surrounding the tradition. “At the BVI Tourist Board we continue to assist and support this event in any way we can.  It’s an event for tourists, visitors and the community-at-large, and we anticipate that it will be well attended this year.”

The primary goals of this event are to deliver quality family entertainment, including music and other cultural events to the island of Virgin Gorda and its environs, while at the same time giving a boost to the economy.

Sponsorship for the event comes from the Office of the Premier, The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, The Ministry of Education and Culture, Road Town Wholesale 1975 LTD, Heineken and Heineken Light, Stevens Freight Services, Scotia Bank, Speedys, Rock Café, Mango Bay Resort and Necker Island.