We all met in friendship at the kind invitation of the villagers of Mount Pleasant & Grand Bay because of their well-established ‘maroon’ traditions over the years. During the festival, we experienced a genuine maroon in its natural, home setting. Particular attention was paid to the rituals and to the drums, songs and dance. Eating and sharing the ancestral meal; ‘smoked food,’ proved to be a loving and unifying experience. Remember, the ‘maroon’ has communal and spiritual features all steeped in rich African traditions. It is an experience offered with a kind spirit of togetherness, thanksgiving, community and love.

The festival stage lit up at the historical and charming Belair Heritage Park, home of Carriacou’s social and cultural activities.

The program consisted of two parts: Firstly, presentations of big drum nation dance, quadrille dances, Shakespeare Mas and other cultural art forms by both local and regional groups. Secondly, there was a two hour string band concert featuring bands from Carriacou, Trinidad and the British Virgin Islands.

An entire evening of pure, untamed and pulsating string band music; the setting was the magical Paradise Beach with the perfect natural backdrop of Sandy Island and Mabouya Island. Just imagine it! The day’s special was a varied menu of tasty seafood! Performances began at 3:00pm and ended at 10pm after which everyone headed to the Coconut Bar for the spectacular after party.