A wide array of arts and crafts, musicians and bands attracted large crowds of both locals and visitors, filling the venues at the 2011 Carriacou Maroon and String Band Festival, as the event continues to grow in popularity.

The numerous visitors enjoyed melodious sounds and were impressed by the creative skills on display by the vendors who were having a successful time. People expressed admiration of the ingenuity of the crafts people and their ability to turn basic materials into something wonderful.

The 2011 festival was bursting with activity as the wide variety of arts and crafts, delighted the crowds and the joyous sounds soon had the most reluctant of dancers on their feet

The use of straw, bollie (or Calabash) which is the shell of a large gourd, beads, pieces of cloth, coconut shells, bamboo and palm branches to mention just a few, drew a wealth of glowing compliments from the people who attended this successful event. All the craft items were beautifully presented as the people of Carriacou love to show their wares in a professional manner.

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The rich foliage of the mature trees in Belair provide a magnificent and colorful backdrop to the Festival, and Paradise Beach with its white sand and gently breaking waves provides a romantic atmosphere.

Even the crafts people could not resist dancing to the music playing throughout the festival as the joyful sounds of the bands encouraged even the most reticent dancers to get to their feet. The wealth of melodies delighted young and old alike, adding to the joyful and happy atmosphere.

These bands played together providing an unforgettable experience:

• Lashing Dogs from the British Virgin Islands
• Men from the Mainland from Grenada
• Grand Central Serenaders
• Bayside Boys from Carriacou

The first rendition was a number called “Strings in the City” which was a great way to get the party started. Then the venues came alive as the bands put on a rich musical display that was fun and exciting.

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The aroma of the sweet appetizing scent which impregnates the air signifies the work of the talented cooks who come from the richly cultured adjacent communities of Mt Pleasant and Grand Bay. This all helps to further emphasize the delightful and unique nature of the indigenous people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique at the opening day of the 2011 Carriacou Maroon and String Band Festival.

The libations such as wetting of the ring (sprinkling the ground to be used for dancing with rum and water) was carried out by householders, at the venue close to the Primary school where the major activity occurred.

Food is prepared in the traditional way, for visitors and locals to share in the rich culture of the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Festival

Scores of pounds of rice, peas (dry and green), cornflour and other provisions were prepared and various species of animals were slaughtered to cater for the thousands of people who were expected to arrive, for this authentic showcasing of the island’s culture. Using the traditional three stone fire the men and women from the aforementioned communities began the food preparation, one day before the activity commences, to ensure that they comply with the strict traditional values associated with the event.

• The food must not be taken to the official site until the conch shell is blown at 3pm
• The food must not be served before 4pm
• The women offer the portion of the food they prepare at their home.
• The food must be covered with a white piece of cloth. The white represents purity.

The traffic was constant as people came from all parts of the island along with hundreds of visitors, to enjoy the wonderful cuisine.

Amongst the thousands enjoying the scores of pots of wide ranging maroon food were:-

• Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique affairs – Hon. George Prime
• Director of the Grenada Board of Tourism – Simon Stiell
• Former Director of the Grenada Board of Tourism – William Joseph

The rolling of the rice and coco was watched intensely by the visitors who marveled at the skills of the natives. The art of turning the coco was also highly appreciated by the visitors.

A wide array of drinks were served to the large crowd present, displaying the typical hospitality in the true Carriacou Maroon style. The display by CCO Big Drum was one of the highlights of the event.

The ring opening and its ‘wetting’ and the dancing with a towel in hand, was carried out by members of the Mt Pleasant and Grand Bay communities.

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The small, unspoilt, tranquil and beautiful 13 square mile island of Carriacou, situated between the Atlantic ocean to its east and the turquoise Caribbean sea to the west, continues to be a popular destination for visitors for many reasons, not least its retention of tradition and culture.

The 2011 Maroon and String Band Festival is one of the highlights of the island’s annual cultural celebrations by the indigenous population. The vast, rich diversity of the event was apparent as the various activities and rituals, embody the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the people of the island of Carriacou.

The Festival is one of the cultural highlights of the year, bringing crowds of people to experience the rituals, culture and music rooted in past generations

The Festival is a tourist attraction as well as an opportunity to experience the unique way of life of the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Most of the customs and practices here have been handed down through the generations for more than three centuries.

The 2011 Maroon Festival encompassed great diversity including groups from St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago(including Rapso king – Brother Resistance), Grenada and Carriacou, all of whom were at their very best throughout the entire weekend.

Government officials and Director of the Grenada board of Tourism, Simon Stiell, wished the festival every success and gave the event their blessings at the opening ceremony.

The ceremony began with the flambeau or “massanto” creating the flame to bring the Festival to life at the Heritage Village in Belair. The various libations, such as wetting of the ground, the beating of the drums and chanting by members of the parade, combined to start the Saturday event with great live, verve and enthusiasm.

The hotel began to run out of stock; the taxi drivers were kept exceptionally busy; the souvenir shops saw their full shelves and stands quickly diminished; the restaurants had a constant flow of people to their tables; the various sites around the island were never short of visitors and hundreds of pairs of footprints were left on the sand of the beautiful beaches. The people offering transportation to the island by both land and sea experienced a sharp upsurge in business and everywhere was teaming with people.

This clearly illustrates the success of what was a truly memorable 2011 Festival and many who came have already reserved their accommodation for the 2012 Carriacou Maroon and String Band Festival.

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Culture and deep memories of African heritage will again be celebrated from April 28th to May 1st, when the Grenada Board of Tourism stages another of the regions fastest growing festivals – the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival.

The rituals associated with the event, made a meaningful connection with the ancestors of those taking part. The practices are still carried out on the African Continent.

Early in the morning of the celebration, the elderly people in the village will meet at the cross
roads, and at exactly 6a.m. lift up a chicken and present it to each of the four corners of the Earth in turn. Several chickens are then slaughtered. Rum and water is thrown on the ground as part of the ritual. The remaining rum and water must be consumed by those present.

On returning to the festival venue, the stones to be used for the cooking of the various pots of food, must first be wet with rum and water, as a sign of inviting God to let His good mercies prevail over the proceedings. Thanks are given to Him, for all that He has done over the last year.

This is also a calling on the rain God, as this festival is during the dry season. It makes preparation for the planting season, which is usually between the months of May and July. Crops such as corn, peas and sweet potato are planted.

Several other animals are slaughtered, and prepared, a day or two before, so that the seasoning can be given sufficient time to penetrate, for a sumptuous taste.

However, a few, particularly the biggest of them, are prepared on the morning of the event. The women mostly prepare the various foods on three stone fires, where wood timbers are used to generate a constant heat. This is needed to penetrate the heavy, thick, large pots.

Different meats including mutton, pork, beef and chicken, along with, rice, cou-cou made from cornmeal and okra, provide a complete, health giving and over-flowing plate of sumptuous, nutritious and tasty food. Once the cou-cou and rice have been cooked, it is placed in small round bowls and rolled into a ball. It’s a practice done mainly by women, but some men and children get involved, to ensure the survival of this unique practice.

The various foods must be cooked before 4pm, but it cannot be shared before that time. The elderly in the community then travel to the sea shore, to throw food in the water in memory of those who have perished at sea.

Another highlight of the festival is the women dancing with a tray of food on their head into a ring. Drums are then beaten, at the entrance of the cemetery, for those who are buried there and have played their part in the Maroon celebration.

A celebration of tradition and rituals from the African continent, includes plentiful and health giving food

The food is then distributed to the thousands who come from other communities, and visitors to the event. The libations, spirit of togetherness, thanksgiving, community and love expressed by the residents, reflects the warmth of the people of the beautiful 13 square mile gem of Carriacou.

Later in the evening, the elderly in the community and chief organisers open the ring with the throwing of rum, drinks and water to the beating of the drum. ‘Opening of the ring’ is the term used, where the crowd create a space for the drummers and dancers to display their skills.

This event, which also attracts the spectators to participate, starts at 8pm and finishes about 11pm.

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The sweet aroma of the traditional Carriacou smoked food can already be scented; the sound of the rich traditional diverse music can be heard, from local and regional groups, and the amphitheatre and magnificent Heritage village at Belair is again ready to host the main aspect of the annual Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival from April 28th to May 1st, 2011

Excitement both local and foreign is extremely high, as there is much anticipation that this year’s event will create an indelible memory.

The Carriacou and Petite Martinique branch of the Grenada Board of Tourism said that plans are on stream for another rich showcasing of this important aspect of the islands (Carriacou and Petite Martinique) cultural traditions.

Everyone is anticipating a memorable and spirited Festival this year as preparations take place

Last year the festival committee added a new dimension to the festival, where the opening Friday night saw the focus and emphasis placed on the rich traditional maroon village.

Following the successful turn of Bogles last year, it will now be the turn of the island’s most easterly closely connected communities of Mt Pleasant and Grand Bay.

“We will meet in friendship at the kind invitation of the villagers of Mount Pleasant and Grand Bay, because of their well established maroon traditions over the years.”

During the festival, you will experience a genuine maroon in its natural, home setting. Pay particular attention to the rituals and to the drums, songs and dance. Experience the unifying and loving aspect of sharing and eating ‘smoke food’, the ancestral meal. Remember, the ‘maroon’ has communal and spiritual features all steeped in rich African traditions.

It is an experience offered with a kind spirit of togetherness, thanksgiving, community and love” says a release from the Grenada Board of tourism.

Saturday night will be see the majestic ambience of the heritage village at Belair come to life, with its natural therapeutic nature. A night where thousands, amidst the lush green vegetation, will share the enjoyment of the big drum, quadrille and Shakespeare mas, all culminating with a two hour performance from local and regional string bands:

• Zenaida Productions – St Lucia
• Lapo Kabwit – St. Lucia
• Hands of Rhythms – Tobago
• Lashing Dogs – Tortola, BVI
• Bayside Boys – Carriacou
• Brother Resistance – Trinidad
• Country Boys – Carriacou
• Tivoli Drummers – Grenada
• Ghetto Youth- Carriacou
• Men From The Mainland – Grenada
• WHIM – Tobago
• CCO Big Drum – Carriacou
• BBH Serendars-Carriacou
• Folk Life Institute -Carriacou

Listen to the Country Boys:

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On Sunday May 1st leave your footprints of culture in the sand at the popular Paradise beach. From the warm trade winds blowing romantic breezes on your face, to the umbrella shade of the almond trees, the tents, and the turquoise Caribbean sea softly breaking waves on the shores; the world renowned Sandy Island beams in her usual glory, with palm and coconut trees.

Mt Pleasant Government school rewrote the Shakespeare Mas history books, when they became the first ever institution to put youngsters on display, in this unique practice of our cultural repertoire.

The display by Abbia Andrew, Wintress Shade, Aaron John and Trevon Noel, gained the envious attention of all, as the four enormously brave youths went to the various communities, and finally to Hillsborough.

These youngsters, the first to take part in the Shakespeare Mas, have excelled with both their speeches and their costumes

Led by a proud Principal, Mary Noel, the students of the institution were the center of attraction, as they expertly recited the golden speeches, from the book of Shakespeare.

People stood in shock and awe, as the two boys and two girls performed in the true spirit of veteran shakespearians.

Following their excellent display in the village of Mt Royal, the youngsters journey into Hillsborough with the Men from Top-Hill and Mt Royal.

After replacing their costumes, the team of youngsters and the more seasoned mas men from Top-Hill and Mt Royal, began the short journey from Market Square, into the heart of Hillsborough.

The walk was led by the ladies with their sticks and the usual chant ‘OO mina, this is Carnival Tuesday’.

When in Hillsborough, the massive crowd flanked the youngsters in amazement, as they showed such energy and a wealth of confidence in their display.

Ms Noel said that the grade five and six students are happy to be trendsetters in this regard, and hope that more can be done to help preserve this important aspect of our culture.

Among those present were:

• Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique affairs: Sen., George Prime
• Palimentary representative:Hon, Elvin Nimrod (A former shakespearian mas)
• Culture Minister: Arley Gil
• Chairman of the Cultural Foundation: John Ferrera
• Chairman of the Carriacou and Petite Martinique Carnival committee: Enoch Bartholomew
• Area education Officer: Mrs Gertrude Niles

Along with the general public, they all had high praise for Ms Noel, her school and the four Shakespearians, for this display, the first of its kind in Carriacou.

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A night gracefully coined as ‘Majestic Saturday’, where decorated elegance, charm, grace and intelligence reigned supreme, saw Andyah Wilson crowned as the Carnival Queen, in the Digicel Beauty Pageant show on Saturday March 5th.

Ms Wilson delighted the crowd with her costume and warm personality

The 20 year old secured the crown from a field of five beautiful and well prepared contestants. The Sagittarian warmed the crowd at the Mini Stadium in Lauristan, with her various appearances.

Ms Wilson, who represented the village of Beasejour, won by scoring 334 points. She was chaperoned by Shandy Bedeau and Sandy Gay.

The Queen was crowned by her predecessor, Aria Andrew who won in 2010.

Miss Wilson, who has ambitions to one day become a nurse or a fashion designer, said that she will be a true ambassador to the sister Isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and her peers.

She will be representing the sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique in this years National Beauty Pageant show as part of Spicemas on mainland Grenada in August.

2011 Queen Show Results

• 1st Andyah Wilson – Beausejour – 33
• 2nd Chantelle Dickson – Lauristan – 323
• 3rd Princess Mitchell – Mt Royal – 274
• 4th Deandra Samuel – Top-Hill
• 5th Linda Alexis- L’Esterre

Individual Category Winners

• Andyah Wilson: Best Introduction, Best Costume and most Intelligent Interview
• Chantelle Dickson: Best talent
• Deandra Samuel: Most gorgeous evening gown and most Photogenic

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Class is class, and form is only temporary. It is the former that truly describes multi talented artist, Superstar (Germaine Simon) as she performed majestically, to retain the Digicel Calypso Monarch crown at the Mini Stadium on the Night of Friday March 4th.

Superstar had the audience enraptured the moment her performance began

Performing her prize-winning selection, ‘You Got to be Strong’, Superstar immediately stamped her authority on the competition, the moment she took to the stage, in position number two.

Known, and well-respected, for her consistently brilliant and inspiring performances, she was able to lift her game higher with a stupendous delivery on stage.

Dressed all in white, the former National semi finalist, stunned the crowd with her scintillating performance which apparently threw her competitors off their game plan.

The victory marked her sixth overall success, following wins in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010 and this year.

An improved performance from Superflint (Clint John), earned him second position with his selection ‘Real-Man’.

Third place was the Leftist, in this, his 24th year as an artist. His selection was entitled – ‘Slavery Ain’t Done’.

Two days before the competition, Superstar told yours truly, of a dream she had, where she saw three crowns. She went on to capture the Soca Monarch crown, two nights later and her sister, who she chaperoned, was first runner-up at the Queen show. A decision, most felt, was one step lower than her all-round performance deserved.

Full Results of the Calypso competition

• 1st Superstar ( Germaine Simon) 240
• 2nd Superflint (Clint John) 233
• 3rd Leftist (Anderson Matheson) 228
• 4th Lady Charmz (Moesha Mitchell) 219
• 5th Sugar-Patch (Anthony Douglas) 211
• 6th Pupa Leendi (Lyndon Adams) 208
• 7th Roach (Vern Deroche) 208
• 8th Crate (Shorn Chase) 203
• 9th Martie (Makiesha Simon) 194
• 10th Hugo ( Hugh Alexander) 187
• 11th Mr.Velon (Kerry Simmons) 161

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Jouvert is a Carnival time street party, that begins well before sunrise and continues on for many hours through the morning.

The name Jouvert comes from the French ‘jour ouvert’, meaning day break. Calypso and soca bands parade through the streets with their followers, often in costume, dancing along.

Jouvert is celebrated in many parts of the Caribbean and traditions vary, but can include the revelers, known as ‘Jab-Jabs’, smearing themselves with body paint, possibly originating from a desire not to be recognised originating from past times of civil unrest. Now Jouvert is a colorful and joyful part of Carnival time.

2011 was easily one of the most exciting Jouvert experiences on the streets of Hillsborough, since the revival of this Island’s prelentant festival back in 1987.

The 2011 carnival was one of the most exciting to have ever taken place on the streets of Hillsborough

Very amusing placards, interesting costumes, various colors of mas and a special group of Jab-Jabs from Mainland Grenada, all culminated to provide a true spectacle, for the popular early Carnival Monday morning experience.

Some of the placards focused on political and social issues. Most people described the Jouvert as great fun. The enjoyment was complimented by local soca songs.

Several of the local artists also took up their positions on trucks and speaker boxes to perform their 2011 selections. Popular Leader of the famous country Boys band, Anslem James, who for the first time released a soca entitled ‘Say-Say’, also added some flavour to the event. He, and members of his band, made several rotations around the town, belting music from a truck.

The large number of Jouvert players from the mainland, came in on Sunday on a specially organised trip.

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There was heavy and repeating demand for the hit song “Wake Up’, which was the most popular title at this year’s road march. Prince Cummings, who goes by the stage name ‘Pow-Pow”, delivered a truly monster hit for the season, and was easily the run away winner.

Masqueraders on the streets of Hillsborough, over the course of Carnival Monday and Tuesday, jumped, pranced, waved and sang to the song, as they danced away in their fine costumes, in the hot Carriacou sun.

The compelling command of the song, easily whipped carnival lovers into a danceable frenzy. Many felt that, had it been released in time for the Power Soca Monarch Competition on the night of Sunday March 6th, Pow-Pow may have gained his first title there.

There is a part of the song which says “ wooo-yooow you wrong to wake me up”. This is a serious hook line in the Soca Vineyard, and one with winning ingredients.

Pow-Pow’s First Major Title

This is Pow-Pow’s first major title, and he is excited about it. He pointed out that the fact that the song was late from the studio, prevented him from participating in the Soca Monarch competition.

You can listen to it here :

“I’m elated at this victory on the road” said Pow-Pow. “I now have plans of taking it to Spicemas in August where I am confident of another good response”.

Pow-Pow, who made it to the finals of the Soca Monarch Competition last year, also has his eyes set on making his debut at the Labor Day Carnival in New York in early September.

Other tunes which were played on the streets for the Carnival were: Skinny Bantan’s “Make-Up” and “We Ready”; Anslem James’s “ Say-Say”, and Bling’s “Mic-Man” and “Dey Wrong”.

Interestingly last year’s winners, Discipline, failed to impress the masqueraders during this year’s Carnival.