There is a full moon outside tonight, and when I see a full moon I often think of the Fireball Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay, British Virgin Islands (latitude 18N 26′ 45.84″ longitude -64W 32′ 4.6″).
There are a lot of full moon parties around the islands, some crazier than others. Trellis Bay is just for fun. A monthly celebration featuring local musicians, island barbecue, stilt walkers, and local artist Aragorn Dick-Read’s flaming fireballs and sculptures on the beach and on stands in the water.
We were there in June 2008 on a sailing and diving trip through the BVI, and it was a tropical postcard night. The dinghy ride across the bay started the fun, winding around more sailboats and motor yachts than I could count. Oh for the yachting life!
The Trellis Bay village is a collection of local artist galleries, shopping, food and drink. In addition to great local music, and Pain Killers made with local rum (one of my favorite drinks), the entertainment includes a group of stilt walkers called mocko jumbies. These guys were fantastic. I’ve seen plenty of stilt walkers, but these guys were dancing and grooving to reggae tunes ~ using tall 2x4s in shifting sand! Given my fear of falling, and history of bad luck falls, all I could do was watch in amazement.
During the night, the flaming fireballs and sculptures blaze on the sand and in the water. The fireballs are spherical metal sculptures stuffed with flammable material, and when lit the fire shows off the intricate carved designs. In some spots, people relax in low-slung chairs enjoying the music and drinks, watching the flames dance around in the smaller sculptures.
Later on in the night, the larger fireballs on stands in the water were lit up and that was a real show. Bluwaterguy got right in the middle of the action for these shots, while I headed for higher ground. Yes, I realize the blaze was off the beach and out in the water, but that was some serious fire! The concrete walkway to the ferry seemed like a safe viewing spot to me. Bluwaterguy says I abandoned him to his fate, but hey, safety first!
I took a quick look at the Trellis Bay schedule for the rest of the year, and I see that there are 2 full moon parties this year in December. First on December 2nd and then the second one is on December 31st ~ that means it is both a blue moon and New Year’s Eve. Now that will be a party!! Anyone up for an island new year?
Wishing on a full moon tonight ~~~ Bluwatergal