Montserrat was alive with colour, costumes, dance and delight this week as hundreds took to the streets to enjoy this year’s St Patrick’s Festival parade.
Many of the attendees were dressed in green, sporting shamrocks or wearing Montserrat madras garments in recognition of the island’s Irish and African history and heritage.
The afternoon festivities began at Montserrat Secondary School on Monday, 18 March, and continued through Salem to the heritage village.
Spectators were then treated to vibrant music and performances as part of the festival’s annual Heritage Day.
Among those taking part were the Emerald Shamiole Masquerades group, the Next Level Dancers, Bijou Productions presents ‘Warrior Women of Africa’, and the Men in Kilts.
Others performers included The Iron Band, a steel pans band, and the Black Rhythm Band, and the event culminated in this year’s Junior Calypso Competition.
Clothing and colours
Children from Brades and Look Out Primary Schools took to the stage to showcase their specially designed outfits.
Also showing off their festival wear were current Miss Montserrat, Nia St Claire, and Miss Teen Montserrat 2023, Claricia Rodriguez Chambers, and Zenoushka Meade.
Artist Ann Granger displayed two large float puppets that she designed and made – one wearing Montserrat madras and the other wearing African design print.
The six hopefuls for December’s Miss Montserrat competition also walked the stage and introduced themselves to the crowd.
The St Patrick’s Day Festival is held each year to pay homage to the slaves who took part in a failed uprising in Montserrat on St Patrick’s Day in 1768.
Slave owners captured leader of the rebellion, Cudjoe, after one of the slaves leaked details of the plans, and he and eight others were hanged.
Click on the video below to watch the Heritage Day celebrations in full:
