BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - SANDY POINTERS and individuals from neighbouring communities danced to the sweet rhythmic music of iron bands on Saturday evening (Nov. 5) to celebrate this year’s Guy Fawkes.
Since colonial times, St. Kiits has adopted the British celebration in remembrance of the 1605 failed gunpowder plot by Guido Fawkes also known as Guy Fawkes. Since then celebrations taking the form of bonfires and firework displays have marked the date in Britain and her overseas dependencies.
However, The Sandy Pointers Inspiring Real Improvement Throughout (SPIRIT) group has chosen to celebrate this year’s Guy Fawkes by parading through the streets of Sandy Point with lit torches dubbed, “Chambalay” and rhythmic iron bands.
What is a ‘Chambalay?’
‘Chambalay’ is the local term given to a papaya stem, filled with kerosene oil and using crocus bag as wick to ignite a flame at the top.
From garbage pans to oil drums as instruments, from them music resonated to the ears of by-standers who described this event as “riveting and refreshing” as they witnessed this spectacular event. The various types of iron bands were enjoyed by many as they pranced and chanted ‘chambolay’ to the rhythm of the iron.
Highlighting this event were five tall red, black and white decorated Moca Jumbies who exhibited their famous stunts and tricks, amusing the crowd with their distinct acts and towering appearance.
One lady, who seemed to be enjoying the event by waving and chanting, ‘chambalay’ described the event to be a good turnout for an iron band street jam in comparison to the bigger bands to which they have grown accustomed.
SKNVibes met up with 2011/2012 Miss Black San Bang-A-Lang, Rosyln Berkeley who stated “Honestly I’ve never been to something like this, but from what I've seen I was impressed. I would say this is a real fun event!’
Following the Iron band chambalay celebration was a ‘street ball game’ at the Hard Court.
