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Festival launched to settle tart debate once & for all in USVI

A new avenue for the territory’s top bakers to show off their skills is coming in April with the establishment of the first annual Tart Festival. Photo: VIC
VI CONSORTIUM

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST Thomas, USVI- A new avenue for the [US] Virgin Islands' top bakers to show off their skills is coming in April with the establishment of the first annual Tart Festival.

The brainchild of Real Talk Promotions, the Festival is meant to celebrate one of the USVI’s most loved desserts.

“You can probably find tart[s] on any island, but here you can find it anytime of year at any function. There is always a place for tart,” said Patrick Farrell, Real Talk’s spokesperson.

Mr Farrell said that the festival is also a place for tart-makers to finally settle an age-old question - whose tart reigns supreme?

“There has been a ‘tart debate’ happening on social media and when friends and families get together,” said Farrell, “so I wanted to provide a platform for them to bring their product and prove it.”

“I want to know who has the best tart,” said Mr Farrell, who described himself as a “tart-lover”. 

The festival, he says, will crown champions across several categories - most creative design for adults and juniors, and the fastest tart assembly for an adult or young person 14-17. Adults can also compete in a timed tart eating contest, and submit tarts in several flavors for consideration as best of each flavor and best overall tart. Entry fees and other contest guidelines can be found on the festival entry form. 

Vendors at the festival are also encouraged to offer their sweet treats for sale to patrons. 

Farrell says that all ages will be welcome at Crown Bay Center on St Thomas to celebrate all things tart from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The festival will be held on April 30, 2023, giving competing tart makers ample time to select and perfect their winning tart recipes.

13 Responses to “Festival launched to settle tart debate once & for all in USVI”

  • ccc (21/02/2023, 19:02) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Look jokes
  • Delicious (21/02/2023, 19:49) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is an interesting read and covers the subjects of 'Cultural", 'Inclusive', "Informative' and 'Rewarding'. Very positive and I wonder why with the BVI having famous tart makers and up and coming young bakers. Hell, let's send a participant or three. BVI Tourist Board, here is an opportunity to reach out and get us included. Positive read.
    • @Delicious (22/02/2023, 08:15) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      The worst thing to do is to invite yourself to any event where you weren't. It did not say persons from outside their territory are welcome. Why should the BVI Tourist Board call the USVIs' ? Furthermore sometime last year I believe, a local radio show host was onto the same thing (well almost) trying to see which tart is the best here. I thought they would have taken it further
      • @ Delicious (22/02/2023, 10:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Tart competitions has been conducted in the BVI on several occasions. The annual Christmas on Main Street Bake-Off Competition is one example. The BVI/USVI locals are family and share the same culture. Our pastries etc. are pretty similar if not the same. Way to go USVI, enjoy your tart festival!
  • The watchdog (21/02/2023, 21:19) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Coconut tart it is
  • Yum (22/02/2023, 07:56) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Guava tart for the win
  • Huh? (22/02/2023, 11:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I just really trying to understand how a 'BVI' tart war/friendly debate now become a USVI "Tart Festival". Somebody please let me to know!
    • Scratches head (22/02/2023, 14:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was wondering myself. I thought it was us who started the tart wars here the BVI. Now a whole tart festival come out of it in the USVI. I could tell you.
      • Something to see (22/02/2023, 15:50) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        USVI can't even make johnny cake, muchless bake tart. Ha! lol
      • @ Scratches Head (23/02/2023, 09:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        That's just it. In the BVI, we love to war over petty things that's just a matter of preference. We talk, talk and talk more. We big up ourselves and that's it. The USVI have moved passed the talk and is now generating funds through an opportunity to expose tart markers and create opportunities for the community to socialize, celebrate their culture and have fun at the same time.
        There are so many opportunities we forfeit because we are not focused on the big picture. For example, We have salt ponds in the BVI, why are we importing salt? We have fish in our waters, why are we importing fish? We have local fruits but we import the same fruits. Why?
        • Needle sharp (23/02/2023, 14:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Them talk til them done tell cow howdy, NO ACTION! Not even enough to defend a tart war.
  • :) (22/02/2023, 12:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Guavaberry Media for the win, :D I could tell you


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