Tart Wars wasn’t just a competition—it was a full-on cultural celebration, and St. Croix showed up. Held along the Frederiksted waterfront, Strand Street, and Buddhoe Park, Tart Wars 2025 brought together tart lovers, vendors, performers, and families for an unforgettable day of island flavor and friendly rivalry. As the photographer working with Tempo Networks, I had the joy of capturing every vibrant moment.
A Festival Fueled by Flavor
As the teams made their grand entrances dancing, hyping up the crowd, and exuding pure tart pride, the energy soared. Those electrifying entrances were a photographer’s dream, full of motion, laughter, and community spirit. Seeing the crowd cheer and groove alongside felt like witnessing the heartbeat of
St. Croix itself.
Vendors Who Brought the Heat
Huge shoutouts to the amazing vendors who made the day so memorable:
- Adawah Grant and Lynette Johannes – tart masters and community pillars
- UpperClass OG – local streetwear brand adding fashion flavor (find them on Instagram @upperclass.og)
- Common Sense Plates & Drinks – known for their refreshing slushies and plant‑based plates
- Chef Shalani Springer – culinary powerhouse adding gourmet twist to the traditional tart lineup
- Rugged Youth – emerging creative brand with bold island apparel
- DoughBoy Pretzels – Christiansted favorite serving sweet and savory pretzel magic amid island flavors
- Local Harvest Cafe – serving sustainable, farm-to-table Crucian cuisine
- And of course, Tempo Networks for teaming up for coverage and visuals.
More Than Just Tarts
Tart Wars goes beyond food. This festival is culture in motion. Kidsville kept the little ones happy with crafts and face painting, while local DJs, bands, steel pans, and sometimes even moko jumbies filled the air with rhythm and celebration. The combined energy across Strand Street and Buddhoe Park felt like one big community hug.
This was about more than tarts: it was about tradition, pride, and connection. St. Croix brought its best.
View the Full Photo Gallery
Want to relive the excitement? Dive into the full gallery below to see candid moments, team spirit, vendor highlights, and community joy.
[Click here to view the Tart Wars 2025 gallery]
Planning an event on the island? Want your local story captured through images and culture?
Let’s connect—I’d love to document your next celebration.
Dondre Richards
Ohana Photographist
