BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE main thoroughfare in downtown Basseterre, Fort Street, was today (Dec. 19) transformed into a hub of traditional activities, as tourists and residents were treated to local cuisine, art, craft and clothing blended with live entertainment as part of this year’s Carnival celebration.
The event, dubbed ‘Basseterre Alive’, produced a large amount of booths that lined Fort Street, which was closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as locals and visitors to St. Kitts flocked area to participate in the goodies offered for sale on the action filled thoroughfare.
Among the traditional dishes on sale on that street were stewed and fried monkey, stewed rabbit, black pudding and souse.
Central Street, between Fort Street and Rosemary Lane, was also closed to vehicular traffic.
Vendors, including the St. Kitts Craft House, used the area to erect booths to display locally made graphic designed T-shirts, furniture and art and craft which included leather shoes, purses and hand bags.
Entertainment such as folklore, a The Legends Band was on hand to provide musical entertainment Calypso Tent, which featured three finalists for the Senior National Calypso Competition (Rudder, Lady Diva and Craig) and a number of others who were eliminated at the Semi-finals.
Some of the junior calypsonians were also onstage giving the audience a taste of what they have to offer when competing for the crown at the Sugar Mill on Saturday (Dec. 22).
It was observed that most, if not all, of the vendors received a steady flow of patronage from the residents and the tourists, the latter who seemed excited to partake in the various local delicacies that were on sale.
They were also entertained by various folklore troupes including clowns, moca jumbies and masquerades.
‘Basseterre Alive’ is a Carnival event jointly organised by the National Carnival Committee and the Ministry of Culture.
