Montserrat Carnival 2024 launched this weekend with a vibrant opening ceremony showcasing the island’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talents.
Residents and visitors were treated to an evening of masquerade, dance, and music, with appearances from the six Miss Montserrat 2024 contestants and reigning calypso monarch, Garnet ‘Sylk’ Thompson.
A vehicle convoy marked the start of the festivities on Saturday, 14 December, as it drove across Montserrat in the afternoon sun to arrive at Carnival City.
Attendees were then treated to a rendition of the territorial song by the Emerald Community Singers, before master of ceremonies Jermaine Wade presented the first speakers.
Montserrat Arts Council director Kenneth Silcott gave the opening speech in which he said this year’s carnival is a representation of 62 years of “cultural and festive extravaganza”.
He encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the music, the mas and the revelry – to appreciate the “lyrical satire of calypso, the energetic rhythms of soca and the beauty and elegance of pageantry”.
“Indulge yourself – taste our native foods, our goat water, black cakes, sorrel, ginger beer, and for some our drinks – a little bush rum of course,” Silcott said.
To the young, he added: “Learn about your culture and embrace our cultural expressions. Live, dance. Be all that you can be. Make the best of the beauty that surrounds us, and never stop dreaming.”
The numerous sponsors of this year’s carnival took to the stage to present cheques to the event host, the Montserrat Arts Council.
Next up on stage was Crenston Buffonge, parliamentary secretary for tourism, culture and diaspora affairs, who said the carnival represents the best of the island’s heritage and creativity.
“It is this rich and unique culture that sets us apart and makes Montserrat so very special,” he told attendees.
He added: “Events like our carnival and festivals are not just for us to celebrate. They are also a gateway for visitors to discover the soul of Montserrat.
“By aligning the talents of our people with the strengths of our hospitality industry, we can create the experience that delights both our visitors and our locals alike.”
Buffonge said he looks forward to carnival becoming even bigger and better in Montserrat in the years ahead.
The six Miss Montserrat 2024 contestants then graced the stage to introduce themselves and receive their official sashes.
The event continued with energetic performances from local acts including the Next Level Dancers, Matrixx Dancers, Volcanic Vybz, D’Vicious and Lyrikal Tool and the Emerald Invaders.
Buffonge then returned to stage to officially declare the festival open.
Listen to ZJB Radio’s live coverage of the opening ceremony in full here, and for a full calendar of Montserrat Carnival activities and events, click here.
