Saturday, August 3rd is Cudjoe Head Day and this year there will be a new edition to the entertainment. Cudjoe Head now has its own masquerade group.
The initiative is led by Reinford “Kulcha Don” Gibbons and entrepreneur and entertainer who revealed that he grew up dancing masquerade and wanted to see more groups on island. Gibbons through his company VIP Penthouse & Suites and David “Peter Jacky” Tuitt sponsored the groups, uniforms and other products needed for their performances.
“The idea is to promote village masquerade and an attempt to harness the cultural art form rather than a simple exhibition,” Gibbons explained. “Growing up around masquerades one of the first things you notice was the uniqueness of each group and that must be maintained.”
In that regard, Gibbons tapped Artist Ms Ann Marie Dewar to assist with creating the new uniforms for the group. While the basic structure of the masquerade outfit remains the same, the costume has different colors.
“I’m really excited about the new group,” shared Gibbons, who will be dancing with the group of seven, which includes one female masquerader.
The new group will be performing at Saturday’s Cudjoe Head celebrations after 4PM.
Festivities kick off on Friday evening after work with the Block Party and Lime.
On Saturday morning, the annual Cudjoe Head Day Run & Walk will be a five mile run or walk open to men and women. Sign up by 5AM to participate. There are cash prizes for the top three finishers.
Breakfast will be on sale in the Cudjoe Head Centre.
From 3:30PM, activities heat up with performances from the DDS Dance Group, Cudjoe Head Masquerade, Emerald Shamiole Masquerade, Emerald Invaders Riddim section, and music from a various Deejays and powered by Tribe Star and Multiplex High Power. Children can enjoy Bouncy Castle, while parents can enjoy BINGO and other games.
