BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT was an afternoon of welcomed entertainment, fun and lots to eat (free of cost), as a relatively large crowd turned up at the Independence Square to get a sneak peek at what to expect from the artistes who will be performing at the Latin Fiesta slated for tomorrow (Oct. 26) at the Marriott Beach.
The event started at approximately 3:30 p.m. with a local masquerade troupe and St. Kitts Hot Shot String Band entertaining a sparse crowd, which rapidly grew when a trio from the Habana Compás Dance Group from Cuba took to the stage.
Indeed, it was a highly-appreciated demonstration of professional showmanship, choreography and acrobatic stunts as the three beautiful and flexible young women, dressed in black, captured the onlookers’ attention, among whom were many who had never before seen such live performances.
The trio was backed with pre-recorded Latin musical renditions and live drumming by two male members of the Habana Compás Dance Group. They too displayed their skills of drumming whilst seated on specially-designed chairs.
With a pair of drumstick each, the three women synchronically tapped a Latin rhythm on the chairs and the floor of the stage and, at intervals, stomped their feet and made music similar to those of tap dancers.
The crowd was also entertained by a Cuban couple dancing the Salsa to two of their native hits. This also went down well with the audience as they applauded and called for an encore.
According to one of the dancers, the Habana Compás was formed in 2004 and is one of the most popular dance groups in Cuba.
In addition to the entertainment, many were treated to a variety of Venezuelan cuisine, compliments of the Venezuelan Embassy in St. Kitts.
Among the delicacies were Torta de Pina (pineapple cakes); Empanadil, which is a corn flour-based dough with various stuffing; Pan de Pernil – Cornbread with pork, ham and yellow cheese; Arepos – Avocado sandwiches; Pan de Jamon – Sweetbread stuffed with ham, bacon, olives and raisins; and for beverages, those who partook were served Chioha – made from rice and flavoured with vanilla and cinnamon; and Papelon Con Limón, which is water mixed with cane juice and lime or lemon.
Speaking with this media house, Chairman of the Latin Festival, José Rosa said the day’s event was part of the many activities leading up to the Latin Fiesta, which is in its fifth year.
He said that the Latin Fiesta was organised by the Latin Festival LLC, a non-profit organisation that was incorporated in St. Kitts three years ago.
In response to the purpose of yesterday’s event, Rosa said: “Today we have two purposes. One is that today we mix our local culture with the cultures of all the countries around us; and two, it is a warming up musical culture, because it talks about what we have in common denominator...our African roots.”
He said the Latin Fiesta would be held “on Sunday at the Marriott Beach from 1:00 p.m. and ends at approximately 10:00 p.m. We are going to have four different bands; one local band, which is the Green House, two from Puerto Rico which will be doing the folklore part of the event, and one from Cuba.
“We would take a lot of culture, folklore and expect a lot of fun there. We are going to have Latin food. Prices are very nice...not expensive and a lot of Corona will be there; it is the only beer that is going to be sold there as Corona is one of our main sponsors. We are also going to have lots of Bacardi on sale.”
Rosa said last year the Fiesta had attracted about 3 700 people and they expect to pass the 4 000 mark tomorrow, adding that ticket sale are going well but those for the VIP have been sold out.
He explained that patrons “will only have to pay EC$10 for general admission and the VIP is EC$175, and that includes buffet”.
“The people are going to get together to enjoy the day and enjoy the night and there will be interchanges of the different cultures. People are going to meet there and embrace the diverse culture you have in St. Kitts,” the Chairman said when asked what patrons could expect other than being entertained by the four bands and dancers.
