A long time ago, the animals used to talk, St. John resident Faye Fredericks began as she told tales of yesteryear to the students gathered Thursday at Annaberg Plantation for the 19th annual Folklife Festival.
"I’m sure you know about Anancy. He’s a spider, but he could also be a man," she said, speaking in the shade of Annaberg’s old stone sugar mill.
The Anancy stories came from Africa with people captured and sold into slavery.
"They didn’t bring their clothes and good china. All they brought with them was what they could carry in their hearts and minds," she said.
At the sugar factory, St. John resident Delroy "Ital" Anthony was telling Julius E. Sprauve School third-grade students about the mocko jumbies he makes. He explained that the high stilts allowed people to walk "home" across the ocean.
Continuing, he told them about the necklace he wore made out of locust seeds. "It’s a fruit high in protein," he said.
The kids were all ears.
"I’m here to learn about my history," Sprauve School fifth-grader Jeylani Blackwood said.
His remarks echoed those of many of the students and their teachers who spoke about the importance of learning about local culture and history.
"They need to learn about their history and what went on years ago," said Erlys Penn, who works in the office at St. John Christian Academy.
In addition to the students, the Folklife Festival brought out other residents and visitors.
Roy Loiselle of Cranston, R.I., was staying at Maho Bay Camps with a group of friends.
"We like to experience local culture and look into the history of the island," he said.
The Folklife Festival, put on by V.I. National Park with help from numerous sponsors, also features sales of items handcrafted by local residents.
St. Thomas resident Gwendolyn Harley was on hand, as she is every year, to sell her dolls. This year, she had a new model made of cashew seeds. The dress is made of paper.
Nearby, a St. Thomas artist who gave her name only as Makay had items made from metals, shells and wood for sale.
"These are hand-carved masks," she said.
And St. John resident Shamoy Christian was ladling out chicken soup.
"Make sure you give me some potatoes and carrots," St. John resident Dean Thomas urged.
The Folklife Festival continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Bring a flashlight for the Saturday event.