BRADES, Montserrat (February 2, 2011) – A “Lively and entertaining cultural celebration” is how Minister of Education and Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Week Committee, the Hon. Colin Riley described this year’s event.
Slated to begin Friday, March 11 and end on Sunday March 20, the annual St. Patrick’s Week of activities is a coming together of old and young to celebrate Montserrat’s heritage. The week is also moving away from the emphasis on the island’s slavery history, the minister said, and the focus now is “more on the collective history and traditions that began way before slavery and have continued since it ended.”
Highlights of the week include the Freedom Hike of the Duberry-Cassava Trail, the Kite Festival, University of the West Indies’ Lecture with Dr. Samuel Joseph, who will speak on "Education: The Key to Unshackle us from the Bonds of Economic Slavery", the All-Island Heritage Feast which will feature traditional food and drinks; and performances throughout the week from the Irish group the Martin Healy Band, Emerald Community Singers, and masqueraders. The highly anticipated Junior Calypso Final and a beach jam closes out the packed week.
The minister also said he was pleased that for the second year they will be able to host a visiting Indian Dance troupe for the Cultural Dance Exchange on Wednesday, March 16 at the Montserrat Cultural Centre.
Montserrat is the only other place besides Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday.
Additional ferry services and flights on Fly Montserrat will be added based on demand.
For information on travelling to Montserrat for St Patrick’s Festival 2011 and a detailed schedule of events go to www.visitmontserrat.com or check the Spirit of Montserrat Facebook page.
Montserrat News