EMANCIPATION DAY is August 1st celebrated as a public holiday across St.Vincent & the Grenadines. It marks years since chattel slavery was abolished in our nation and the Ministry of Culture has organized a Month of activities which begin today Friday 31, August.
This year’s activities are being held under the theme “Embracing our Past; Forging into the Future” with a subtheme, “Celebrate Freedom; Honour Our Ancestors.”
The Department of Culture says it is placing emphasis on two of its eight core values – Inclusion and Collaboration, guiding principles which underscore the Department’s commitment to ensuring that all members of society are represented in cultural development.
The celebrations officially begin with the opening of the “History, Heritage and Memory: Garifuna Prisoners of War” Exhibition and Book Launch at the UWI Global Campus from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Emancipation community spirit continues with the much anticipated Diamond Community Wake from 10:00 tonight.
The highlight of the celebrations will be on Saturday August 1st, Emancipation Day , featuring the Official Launch of Emancipation Month, a grand Parade, Cultural Showcase and Community Fair at Independence Park from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The cultural parade will travel from Heritage Square to Independence Park, with participants assembling from 3:00 p.m to which the the public is encouraged to attend in African attire as recognition of our Africanness as we celebrate freedom and cultural identity.
The month’s programme includes a vatiety of activites including CPL Cricket, drumming workshops, tablemat weaving, and a Food and Rhythms Fest at the Carnegie Building (Old LibraryYard) (Carnegie Building) 10:00 a.m.
The full programme follows:- Sunday August 2nd Soca Relations Peace Memorial Hall 7:00 p.m.
-Monday August 3rd St George’s Cathedral (VBS) “NurturingYoung Minds Through Their Talents” -August 3rd – 14th Bishop’s College Kingstown 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tablemat Weaving August 3rd – 7th Kingstown Anglican School 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Drumming Workshop Frenches Craft Centre 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday August 4th St George’s Cathedral (VBS) “NurturingYoung Minds Through Their Talents” Bishop’s College Kingstown 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Drumming Workshop Frenches Craft Centre 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tablemat Weaving Kingstown Anglican School 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wednesday August 5th St George’s Cathedral (VBS) “NurturingYoung Minds Through Their Talents” Bishop’s College Kingstown 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tablemat Weaving: Kingstown Anglican School 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday August 6th St George’s Cathedral (VBS) “NurturingYoung Minds Through Their Talents” Bishop’s College Kingstown 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tablemat Weaving: Kingstown Anglican School 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday August 7th :St George’s Cathedral (VBS) “NurturingYoung Minds Through Their Talents” Bishop’s College Kingstown 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
