About Statia Roots Festival

The Story Must Be Told.

The Statia Roots Festival is a season of heritage, unity, and cultural celebration, running from May 25 to July 1, 2025, in St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands. This festival is more than an event—it’s a movement dedicated to honoring Afro-Caribbean history, resilience, and creativity.

Our Mission

Statia Roots Festival is designed to:

  • Celebrate Afro-Caribbean heritage through music, art, storytelling, and cultural performances.
  • Educate and inspire the community with workshops, discussions, and interactive experiences.
  • Unite people by creating a space for shared history, pride, and empowerment.

What to Expect

📅 Festival Highlights

  • African Liberation Day (May 25) – A grand opening celebrating freedom, featuring parades, live music, and cultural exhibitions.
  • Stand Firm Day (June 12) – Commemorating the enslaved revolt with storytelling, performances, and historical reflections.
  • Emancipation Day (July 1) – A powerful grand finale honoring resilience and the journey to liberation.
  • Creative Campus Workshops – Hands-on learning in music, dance, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.
  • Taste of the Culture – Showcasing traditional Afro-Caribbean cuisine and culinary heritage.
  • International Sports Weekend – Bringing communities together through basketball, volleyball, softball, and more.

Our Vision

Rooted in the theme “The Story Must Be Told,” the festival ensures that the voices of the past shape the future. We strive to preserve, share, and celebrate the untold histories of St. Eustatius and the wider Caribbean, empowering generations through cultural pride and education.

Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future at the Statia Roots Festival 2025!