SALEM – “Definitely Irish, Confidently African and Distinctly Montserratian” is the theme of this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival which kicked off on Tuesday evening in Salem Village.
The well-attended event saw members of the governing party decked out in national dress, festival chairman David Duberry modelling a kilt and a multi-cultural showcase of dance and music from the youth.
Hosted by Justin “Hero” Cassell, the evening included performances by the Emerald Community Singers, the joint primary school steel orchestra, reigning junior calypso monarch Sugar T, and the introduction of Rebeat. Under the direction of music instructor Chris Van Beuren, Rebeat comprises students from forms one and two at the Montserrat Secondary School. Their instruments are all recycled products such as barrels, metal drums, paint cans and buckets.
Adding to the evening’s festivities were students of Dominicano heritage who danced to Spanish hip-hop tracks, a fashion show by Sheryl Cassell Designs which used the national madras fabric to create new modern outfits and poetry by Sankofa Lady – Maureen Lee.
Salem Village will be the centre of most of the activities scheduled for this year’s festival, with the cultural centre in use for other events including Thursday night’s lecture, the Junior Calypso Competition on Sunday night and the National Awards next Monday.
Get the list of upcoming events in the right side bar on this site.
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