The 27th annual Bordeaux Farmers’ Rastafari Agriculture and Culture Vegan Food Fair will return to the western hills of St. Thomas in mid-January, bringing together farmers, artisans, educators, musicians, and families for a two-day celebration centered on food sovereignty, culture, and sustainable agriculture in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Organized by We Grow Food, Inc., the fair is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, January 18, from 10 a.m. to midnight, at Plot 109, Estate Bordeaux. The event, commonly known as the “Bordeaux Fair,” highlights Rastafarian agricultural traditions, organic farming, vegan cuisine, and African Caribbean culture, while serving as the organization’s primary annual fundraiser.
This year’s theme, “In Agriculture, Many Problems to Fix – Support VI Farmers in 2026,” underscores the challenges facing local farmers and the importance of strengthening food systems in the territory. Organizers said the fair will feature educational workshops on seed security and AfroEcology, led by guest speakers from national organizations, alongside a wide range of cultural and community activities.
Attendees can expect a diverse program that includes fresh local produce, vegan food, value-added products, artisanal crafts, an animal petting farm, and natural fruit drinks and blends. Live reggae music, cultural dances, poetry, wellness services, and youth-centered activities will take place throughout both days. The setting, high in the Bordeaux hills, offers panoramic ocean views and a backdrop of untapped nature.
Accessibility is a key focus for organizers. A free shuttle service will run from the Nisky Center and UVI bus stops to the fair site and back on both days, with departures from town at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., and return trips from the fair at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Organizers noted that Sunday’s last scheduled return trip is at 7 p.m., even though the musical concert continues until midnight. Roadside parking will also be available, and a ramp will provide access to the market pavilion for individuals with physical disabilities.
Admission is priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 11 and under. While some vendors may accept digital payments, the event remains primarily cash-only.
We Grow Food, Inc. members host Bordeaux Farmers’ Market events monthly and stage this large-scale fair each year during the weekend preceding the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Organizers said the annual gathering offers farmers who work year-round in the Caribbean climate an opportunity to showcase naturally organic produce and sustainable practices, including terracing and other techniques used on mountainous terrain.
Educational programming will take place on and in front of the stage throughout the weekend, blending learning and entertainment. Workshops, presentations, and demonstrations will focus on sustainable agriculture, conservation, and community resilience. Arts and crafts vendors will display creative products derived from food, fiber, and other value-added materials.
A dedicated Youth and Family Activity Center will provide hands-on “edutainment” throughout the day. Maria “Irieah” Stiles will lead make-and-take activities designed to build awareness through the arts and agriculture. Activities include planting, clay play, coloring, beading, games, basket weaving with Roots Alive Cultural Arts, a Bamboula workshop on Saturday at 2 p.m. led by Majestik Freedom Estrada-Petersen, and face painting offered on both days.
Featured guest presenter Bonnetta Adeeb of the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance will speak on seed security and seed farming. Ujamaa’s work focuses on increasing diversity within the U.S. heirloom seed market by empowering historically marginalized communities and treating seeds as a living library of cultural heritage. Representatives from Black Sustainability, Inc. will also present AfroEcology programming and promote their AfroIndigenous seed banking initiative, offering educational materials and a chance for visitors to take a survey with the opportunity to win $100.
Special recognition will be given to Mary Joe Williams for her years of support for We Grow Food, Inc.
The fair will feature an extensive lineup of food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, farmers, and wellness providers offering services such as reflexology, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. The entertainment schedule includes opening blessings, the Rastafari Creed, a welcome from the We Grow Food, Inc. president Ras Cubu, a tribute to Kulcha Bearers, an African fashion show, presentations recognizing Farmer of the Year “Selah” of Mother Nature Farm, and performances by a wide range of local and regional artists.
Major sponsors and partners supporting the 2026 Bordeaux Fair include the VI Department of Tourism, Viya, AARP, KISS 96.1 FM, Conch Shell Media LLC, Heritage Trees, the VI Department of Agriculture, and the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, along with numerous community organizations and businesses.
Organizers said full details on the program, vendors, educational workshops, entertainment, and the complete youth and family activity schedule will be posted once finalized. For more information, the public can contact We Grow Food, Inc. by phone or email and follow the organization on social media for updates.
