By Claudia Liburd
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
(Charlestown, Nevis) --- On Friday the annual kite-flying competition was held at the Cole Hill Flats through the efforts of the St. John's Community Club as part of the observance of Good Friday on Nevis.
This event is a part of the Easter festivities on Nevis and kite-flyers and spectators alike flocked to the Cole Hill Flats to carry on the Caribbean-wide tradition.
In addition to the competition, local foods and entertainment were also available.
Deputy Premier and St. John's area representative, Hon. Hensley Daniel explained that the event also provided an opportunity for cultural expression and social interaction.
"In Nevis kite flying is synonymous with Easter and the kite flying competition has been in operation since 1989.
This year, what I sought to do was to weave it into the St. John's Fest. The kite flying was much bigger than two years ago when we had the last one and that went very well.
"Of course we have marketed it over the years as an opportunity to sell local food such as 'konke', cassava bread, Johnny cakes and salt fish and the like. Everything went well and all in all it was a peaceful event that brought people together in the various communities and provided and opportunity for cultural expression and social interaction," said the Deputy Premier.
One spectator who preferred to remain anonymous noted that the atmosphere at the Cole Hill Flats was highly jovial.
"It is really great to be here and I think it is a good thing for all of us to come together at Easter time. The children and adults alike love to see the kites and it is good not only to fly the kites but also to know what the holiday and kites represent," she said.
On Friday the Cole Hill Flats area was transformed into a sea of anxious kite-flyers, some of whom entered various kite-flying competitions to showcase their handiwork.
In Nevis, Easter is a popular event which is celebrated by persons of varied cultural and religious affiliations.
The kite-flying symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and signals the end of the Christian season of Lent. ~~adz:Right~~
