The official opening of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival featured cultural dance, live music, fireworks and the traditional lighting of the symbolic flame.
Held at the Silk Cotton Tree at Cudjoe Head, on the afternoon of Saturday, 9 March, dozens of spectators turned out to celebrate the start of the festivities.
Host Jermaine Wade, interim cultural events coordinator at Montserrat Arts Council, welcomed members of the diaspora and visitors to the ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’.
He said the festival, which is becoming more popular year on year, recognises both the Irish and African heritage of Montserratians.
“Let us not forget the meaning of the celebration, as we celebrate our heritage and remember the contributions of our forefathers as they fought for our freedom,” he said.
Jayesh Sadhwani, marketing coordinator for Montserrat Arts Council, told attendees that Cudjoe Head is “submerged in a rich history of resistance, determination, and strength”.
He recalled the story of the slave Cudjoe, who on 17 March, 1768, led a slave rebellion in Montserrat which was quashed, leading to nine rebels, including Cudjoe, being hanged.
Sadhwani said the festival pays homage to “the fight of our freedom” and reminded that the island is the only place outside Ireland that celebrates St Patrick’s Day as a national holiday.
He encouraged both residents and visitors to enjoy some of the multiple activities that will be taking place in Montserrat over the next week or so.
Great resistance
Also speaking during the opening event, which was broadcast live on YouTube, was Premier Joseph E Farrell, who is minister with responsibility for culture.
He also reflected on the strength and resilience of Cudjoe at what he called “a time of great resistance”.
Farrell said the government is invested in maintaining the island’s rich culture as well as promoting activities for the entertainment of visitors and residents.
He urged everyone to stay safe as they enjoy the coming weeks of celebration, and asked visitors when they return home to tell others that Montserrat is “open for business”.
“That it is a treasure to be discovered, with a St Patrick’s Festival that is unmatched and which cannot be missed,” he added.
Sadhwani then detailed the programme of events that will be taking place during the festival – available here.
And following well-received performances of steel pan music, dance and afro drumming, organisers lit the symbolic flame before setting off a colourful firework display.
