Many groups and events have their special day of celebration and the Fishermen of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, who risk their lives every day to bring home fresh and healthy food for the nation, are no exception.

The day is known as the Fisherman’s birthday and is often celebrated on June 29th. It is a major social event in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

This activity is enjoyed by all, including visitors to the island and those who come on their boats. The event is staged at the various fishing communities. To ensure visitors can get to many communities, some held on different days in the month or just after the official day of June 29th.

Food, music and drink are used to celebrate Fisherman’s Birthday in honor of the men and women and women who catch fresh fish each day

Fisher folk, both men and women begin getting ready from early in the morning, preparing large pots of food to distribute to everyone who attends. The food usually consists of many different types of seafood. Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are served to accompany the food. The event is always lively with musical entertainment emanating from a large sound system.

On the day, the fishermen and women take a break from their profession to join in the celebrations. A major highlight of the day’s event is the blessing of the boats by a priest . This is to give thanks to God for keeping the men and women safe while at sea and asking that ‘His perpetual light will continue shining on them’.

There is also the fanfare of cake dancing during the early morning proceedings of the event. Prizes are awarded for the outstanding fishermen and women over the year presented by the Ministry of Fisheries. Some of the communities also stage a boat race to add significance and fun to the occasion.

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Carriacou continues to attract a high percentage of visitors to the Caribbean not only for sand, sun and sea but for its uniqueness in culture, tradition and way of life. One of the aspects of life that still survives on this beautiful, safe, tranquil and friendly island in the Southern archipelago of the Caribbean, is the abundance of donkeys

Visitors are delighted by these wonderful animals. Many visitors may be encountering donkeys for the first time and may even experience having a ride on one. People are impressed by the level of care and protection that benefit the donkeys and they have become an important tourist attraction.

The donkeys of Carriacou are protected and well cared for as they are important for transport and used in events

There are no horses on the island but the donkeys take part in an annual derby at the Carriacou Regatta Festival. This event usually generates much excitement. The riders give the animals some fascinating names before making several racing laps around the beautiful town of Hillsborough. These animals are well trained and can be surprisingly fast and it is a fun and entertaining spectacle.

Donkeys are still being used by people in the countryside as a vital form of transport. A couple years ago this island supplied a university with those animals as part of a research study. In some countries and cultures donkeys are not always well treated, but in Carriacou the culture is vastly different and the donkeys always receive proper care.

Donkeys are an added attraction for any event. Recently they were used as a form of transport for the visitors to the Maroon Festival from the junction into the park. Even the locals delighted in joining the visitors in getting a unique ride into the park on the donkeys who were managed by a group of young, skilful donkey handlers.

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Traditional culture is dying out in many countries, but on the beautiful and historic island of Carriacou, the people revive, retain and celebrate its culture keeping many historic practices alive.

Farine making is an ancient culinary method, that has been handed down by the ancestors of the people of Carriacou and today has grown in popularity among both the young and old. Farine is a type of flour, made from the cassava plant and is used in many traditional recipes including cassava bread.

The ancient tradition of making farine is still practiced and handed down to the younger genearation

Several of the countries that produce farine have switched to modern production methods, but the traditional method is still employed by the producers of farine on the island of Carriacou. This attracts many visitors to the island to see the process of making farine from the raw material of the cassava plant, to the finished product. The legacy of this practice has a bright future as several school children on both Carriacou and Petite Martinique are now fast becoming excellent protégées of their mentors. Even tourists to the island are grasping the opportunity to get a feel of the baking process.

• When the cassava root is harvested it is then peeled and washed
• The root is grated and placed in a special bag known as the old time “cru-crush” bag
• It is pressed or squeezed by large wooden boulders to extract the juice, so the cassava is dry
• The grated and squeezed cassava is placed in large farine pans, some with a diameter of about 8 to 12 feet
• The slow, long process of baking is done over a glowing fire
• Men and women toss the material in the hot pan for around six hours at a time, while another constantly throws in more and farine
• Upon completion the farine is white and hot and must be left to cool

The process calls for several people to work together and can take up to 18 hours altogether. When the farine is made, everyone gets a small bag and the rest is sent to market.

The farine made here is said to be among the best and so visitors often purchase a bag of Carriacou farine to take home. Likewise natives of Carriacou who are travelling abroad often pack a bag of farine to take with them on their travels.

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The exciting Quadrille Dance features various dance patterns, and is another great example of the traditions and culture to be found on Carriacou island during the Maroon String Band Festival.

It is this rich culture that encourages people to make the journey from all parts of the globe, to see the island and to experience traditional events for themselves. The variety and splendour of the culture defies description and first hand experience is really the only way to gain full appreciation of the place.

Large crowds gathered to see the young people from l’Esterre dance the traditional quadrille, giving rise to great admiration and applause

The Quadrille Dance displays the wealth of talent of the young people from the traditional community of L’Esterre and how all, from the youngest to the oldest, can dance the quadrille. The village can provide a group of quadrille dancers comprising any age group to suit a particular occasion. Even those who no longer live in the community and are residing abroad can still perform the dance.

When Shannel Edmund from the Board of Tourism, who is from l’Esterre, brought a youthful group who were all under 20, to the Paradise Beach for the final day of the Maroon and String Band Festival, there was no real surprise from those that know the island, at the accomplishment of the dancers at such a young age. The dancers did the six different dance patterns with style and confidence, finishing to the resounding applause from the large crowd. The precision and coordination of the dancers was breath-taking.

Some of the pieces were great fun such as the scratching of men’s heads by the ladies. Visitors and locals rushed to view and encircle the dancers, as they showed a level of ability commensurate with a professional event.

The late Canute Caliste from Grenada, who attracted international fame for his creative paintings, was known also for his violin playing skills, especially for the quadrille dancers.

The Quadrille Dance further illustrates the array of talent that is being nurtured and harnessed on Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

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The creative activity of designing palms is always an exciting time on the beautiful twin islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. On these occasions both the elderly and the young, journey to the various churches on the day prior to Palm Sunday, to make hundreds of palms for worshippers and well wishers.

It is a time of the year when there will be scores of people entering into the house of the Lord for blessings. It has deep spiritual meaning to some people, as it is the holiest time of time of the year being the preparation period for the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.

Young and old, Anglicans and Roman Catholics, come together and hold palms for Palm Sunday

The Anglicans and Roman Catholics use some of the palm branches to form a cross, while other branches are used in their natural form. In Carriacou hundreds of locals and visitors participate each year, holding their palms proudly during the event. Both churches congregate at the main venue in Hillsborough to conduct a short service. There are palms for all to hold and keep, as a reminder of the season.

After the service they form themselves into a beautiful procession, while singing great hymns at the top of their voices, in harmony and unison. One of the high points of the celebration is the exchanging of palms by the priests of each church. This is always done at the junction, where both religions part to take the respective route to their church.

This is followed by the pastors leading their congregation to the church to the continuous singing of great and beautiful hymns. The hymns are particularly chosen for that special time of the year. Many members of the congregation wear a green color, in keeping with the spirit of the season.

It is the time of the year when you can expect to see a packed church and spiritual enjoyment.

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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.

Like stars that light the beautiful skies at night, kites create a spectacular atmosphere at this time of the year on Carriacou.

Easter is a richly celebrated time in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, particularly with the reverence for the season of Lent leading up to the observance of Good Friday and the Easter weekend, thus recognizing the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus – Lord and Savior.

It’s a time when most of the non-regular church goers find time to worship in the House of the Lord. The Palm Sunday tradition is also a very significant day when there is often a procession.

Kite making and kite flying is a tradition of color, splendor and sound that delights young and old alike

However this season is always given extra verve, by the tradition of kite flying, whenever a breath of wind can be felt. Both young and old have remained loyal to the making of kites for others and themselves. In recent years one has been witnessing the importation of, what is known as, the ‘ready made’ kites. But those are far and few between, still running a far and distant second to the talent of the local kite makers.

The enormous skill of the local kite makers is a real and enviable art. Local raw materials, such as bamboo and palm are in demand now, as each look to ‘outdo’ the other in areas of size, style, design and quickness.

Kites can be found many shapes such as moon, star, fish, sun, boat, half moon, double, regular, and letters of X,H,T.

When these kites are been made, they are covered with colorful paper, rarely plastic, to create life, vitality and essence when flown, and to depict the shape of the kite. For example, a sun kite would be strongly decorated in red and not green and so on.

Even the this country’s national flag of red, green and yellow, have tickled the rich imagination and genius concept of these kite makers throughout Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Between the top pieces of the kite there is what is called the ‘singers’ – which is made of either tape or paper and creates a loud and deafening sound; loud to the extent that it can make it hard for you to sleep; but that’s the spirit of the kite flying culture at Easter time.

Items used – is one called the “zubba” or “twine” by Carriacouans. On Petite Martinique it’s known as “Mealee” and mainland Grenada “Cord”. This material comes in shades of green and black, and it’s so strong it’s almost impossible for one to exert one’s his strength to sever it.

They are in weights of 12, 24, 36 and 48. The larger the number, the greater the weight. Thus the larger the kite the bigger the size of the material to fly the kite, in order to have it popping in mid air.

However there are some kites which supercede those sizes, and require rope to have them fly.These kites can sometimes go to 12 feet high and require up to eight strong men, using ropes to control this massive structure, in the Easter Caribbean breeze.

In earlier years there was a white, cotton natural material used to fly the kites which created much excitement, as competitors look for supremacy to see whose kite will remain as the only one in the sky.

The tail of the kites were decked with razor blades and competitors would allow his/her kite to ascend close to his/her competitor thus allowing the razor on the tail to rub against the competitor’s, cord/ mealee/twine thus severing it.

The tail of the kites are made of one, two or three strips of cloth.
These strips often complement the color of the kite paper, thus ensuring uniformity for neatness.

The Dover Government school grounds are the venue for the annual 4-H Club kite flying competition. This competition, which is sponsored by Ades Dream Hotel, awards various prizes:

• furthest flying kite
• smallest kite
• ugliest kite
• most creative kite
• highest flying kite
• loudest singing kites
• prettiest kite
• largest kite
• youngest male and female flyer
• oldest male and female flyer

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A top entertainer from the land of calypso, TrinBago (short for Trinidad and Tobago), a former Calypso and Soca Monarch champion, an acerbic social commentator and a bright budding star will share the stage, on Boxing night, December 26th, when Hotel Laurena hosts its yuletide music show.

The mighty Explainer who has thrilled millions all over the world in the 1980s and 1990s will be the premier act of what will surely be a sold out event. He will be rubbing shoulders with Elimus Gilbert, “Inspector”, from mainland Grenada; the sensational “Firey”, Superstar; social commentator, Crate; and the young Miss Teen title holder, Moesha Mitchell. This show is already dubbed as the biggest and finest blend of regional calypso stars to come together for one major concert. Explainer has being known as a true icon of the artform. Even up to today several of his older songs are still busting up the airwaves and rocking the parties as fans continue to go wild, dancing their shoe heels off whenever his music is played. Among his many major hits are pushing contemporary tunes on to the back burner. Hist hits include Lorraine, Ras Mas, Park It, All Inclusive, and the list can go on and on.

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Inspector is a young man who requires no introduction as he is easily the finest entertainer Grenada has even seen. One who has already copped several national titles including the prestigious Dimanche Gras and Soca Monarch crowns. This speaks volumes to the depth of his talent. Some of Inspector’s prize winning selections which are today still a crave, for calypso and soca fans are Hurricane Gilbert, Big Wave, Horning, Power in the Soca, Mammy Beat Me for Dat, 20 years, plus several Christmas Parang songs.

Superstar still today remains the only artist in the Caribbean to have captured the Carnival Queen title, Soca Monarch and Dimanche Gras crowns the very same year. This amazingly gifted diminutive young lady has already dished out a wide range of songs from her repertoire: Fire, Children, Light Camera Action, Signal, Car-boom, Destiny, Jump and Wave, Caribbean As a Woman are just a few that come to mind.

Crate is also a former calypso monarch who has delivered several very heavily weighted calypsoes. Known for his strong lyrical contents, Crate is expected to thrill the crowd, especially if his boxing gloves (worn at this years Dimanche show in his selection, Hit Dem Hard) are part of his costume on Boxing Night thus highly fitting the occasion!

Moesha is a fastly rising star who is on the threshold of making it great.

The show has been on everyone lips, even those expected home for the Christmas season as it was what they were longing for. This show at Carriacou’s finest and most luxurious hotel is expected to go down in the annals as having attracted the largest crowd ever to such an event on the island. Proprietor of Hotel Laurena, George Andrew, pointed out that he has listened to the people and is able to satisfy their needs and host this event.

The performances are slated to start at 9 pm. There will be jerk chicken, jerk pork, fried chicken, barbeque plus a well stocked bar.

Tickets are $35.00 each and can be purchased from Hotel Laurena, 1&11, Mathesons, Coconut Bar, Tunker’s in Top Hill and Denise shop in Big Road, Mount Royal.

With the number of persons expected in for the yuletide season plus locals already rushing those tickets, it is strongly advisable that you should not hesitate in getting yours now before stock runs out.

There is a great place where you can visit and reconnect with history and nostalgia through buildings and dwelling houses which date back centuries, long, long before you were born. I say this without any fear of contradiction.

Carriacou continues to retain a sense of romance and reflects the thoughtful process that went into the construction of these ancient fine structures. Today they are attracting great admiration and the number of people wishing to see these buildings is gaining momentum.

Across several communities on this island gem of just 13 square miles and on its sister isle of Petite Martinique (three miles to the north-east), these houses stand as a major tourist attraction. Foreigners travel to these islands to enjoy seeing them standing so prominently among modern structures.

The shape of the buildings is unique and present a challenge to contemporary architecture. These fascinating houses are small, with no more than two sleeping rooms, in contrast to larger modern day constructions.

Also highlighting the enormous evolution of construction over time, is the fact that the ancient buildings are made of wood, while those of today are primarily concrete buildings.

These old houses are sometimes known as Gingerbread houses and are made of wood in a style commonly called shingles. The houses are designed with a hip roof (four sides of the roof slope down to the walls) and have a gallery. The designs are rarely seen in others parts of the world, thus further accentuating Carriacou as a place for those who have a deep rooted love for tradition and historical value.

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The Carriacou Children’s Education Fund continues this year with an additional set of scholarships: Trevin McLawrence and Leah Hagley from Bishops College and Camille DeRoche and Gloria Wells from Hillsborough Secondary School have begun their studies at the campus with full tuition and fees, plus a stipend of $1000 towards the purchase of necessary textbooks.

These students bring to thirteen, the number of scholarships awarded by the Carriacou Children’s Education Fund. Last year, it benefited Nadia Edwards and Michelle Alexander from Bishop’s College and Codell Stafford from Hillsborough Secondary School.

Previous awardees have already put their education to good use: Tahera Paul and Rena Noel (Bishops College) are working at Hillsborough Secondary School, as are Stacey Bain and Carnisha Charles. Marcia Scott is employed by Bullens Enterprises and Reann Martineau (Bishops College) is with the Board of Tourism.

Qualifying for the Award

In order to qualify, each student writes an essay of 1000 words on the topic How I will use my education to build a better Grenada. The primary focus for all students has been development of opportunities for the youth of Grenada, an issue near and dear to their hearts.

Ms. Rholda Quamina (Bishops College) and Mr. Brian Lendore (Hillsborough Secondary) are the principals of the two secondary schools in Carriacou and they select the scholarship recipients based on a mix of CXC/CSEC scores and financial need. Mr. Patrick Compton of the island’s branch of the Grenada Union of Teachers, assists in the process every year, collecting and reviewing the essays.

The Carriacou Children’s Education Fund

Visiting yachts and local businesses continue to assist local students through the fund-raising efforts of the Carriacou Children’s Education Fund (CCEF). This year’s awards bring the total amount of financial aid to more than $25,000, and money has been allocated to assist 2011 graduates of Bishops and Hillsborough Secondary.

The CCEF is an informal, voluntary group of individuals from visiting yachts from around the world, alongside a number of concerned local businessmen and women. Since the year 2000, CCEF has conducted fund raising activities in the first week of August at the Carriacou Yacht Club in Hermitage. This coincides with the summer Carriacou Regatta.

Since its inception, CCEF has raised over $125,000 to provide uniforms, school supplies and other educational assistance to local children. The mission is to help as many children as possible and to bridge the gap between what’s each child requires and what their families can provide.

CCEF has so far provided assistance to over 500 children. Success is due primarily to the hard work and generosity of those aboard the visiting yachts and the local CCEF supporters. It is the yachts-people’s way of saying thank you to the island people for the warm welcome they’ve always received.

The scholarships at TAMCC are a natural extension of the assistance that CCEF has provided the primary and secondary school children of Carriacou in the past, targeting assistance for the future leaders of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. CCEF is just one example of how Carriacou benefits from the presence of the yachts.

T.A. Marryshow Community College is a fully accredited two-year college offering full and part-time programs leading to Bachelors and Associate Degrees, and Certificates. The TAMCC aims to provide accessible quality education and training opportunities to help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals and to cater to the changing needs of the labor market.