Repeating Islands

On August 1, 1985, Trinidad and Tobago became the first country in the world to declare a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery. This year’s Emancipation celebrations will take place from July 29 – August 2, 2009, with major events planned on both islands. The Emancipation Support Committee’s theme for this year’s celebration is “Seize New Opportunities as the World Changes.” It is built on the premise that focus should be on positive motivation and action, rather than on the despair that could easily arise out of the current global economic crisis and other major international changes that are reshaping the world.

Festivities are scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 from 7:00 pm with the Grand Opening at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Jean Pierre Complex. Youth Day, July 30, will include performances, theatre, workshops, outdoor fun and presentations that explore a range of cultural and oral traditions. A symposium entitled: “Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment” will be held on Friday July 31^st. Later on that afternoon, community groups will get the opportunity to participate in cultural performances and the night will culminate with a Pan African Concert. On Emancipation Day, Saturday, August 1st, 2009, events commence at 5:00 am, with a ‘Tribute to Ancestors’ – prayers and libations; and at 9:00 am, the annual Kambule or Street Procession from the Brian Lara Promenade to the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village will take place. There will be cultural activities all day at the Village and Emancipation day celebrations will end with the Flambeaux Procession sharply at 7:30 pm. On Sunday August 2nd, 2009, a Family Day event will take place to include a food fair, a public forum, a youth Concert and Vintage Calypso followed by the official closing of the Emancipation Village.

For more go to http://news.bn.gs/article.php?story=20090630144217362

Photo: “Emancipation day parade, August 1st,Brian Lara Promenade,Moko Jumbie with Trinidad flag cape” from http://picasaweb.google.com/cafemokagallery/TrinidadCulturalEvents#5189624341772120546