Culturama Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Culturama Day is a vibrant festival celebrated on the island of Nevis, which is part of the twin-island federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. The festival was established in 1974 and occurs annually around the Emancipation Day weekend, at the end of July and beginning of August. Culturama is a blend of cultural traditions aimed at commemorating the abolition of slavery as well as celebrating Nevisian arts, folklore, history, and food.

History

Culturama was created to preserve the island's cultural heritage and to replace earlier festivities that had declined. With its roots tied closely to Emancipation Day, which marks the end of slavery in the British Empire (August 1st, 1834), Culturama pays homage to the struggles and triumphs of the people's ancestors while embracing various aspects of their culture.

Traditions

During Culturama, there are several traditional events:

• Calypso Competitions: Local musicians perform calypso music with lyrics often touching on social commentary.
• Pageants: Beauty pageants like Miss Culture Queen Pageant showcase beauty and talent with participants representing different aspects of Nevisian culture.
• Street Jams: Also known as "Jump-Ups," these involve music trucks and live bands with people dancing through the streets.
• Cultural Presentations: These include folklore performances that involve masquerades, clowns, moko jumbies (stilt walkers), and other traditional characters.
• Food Fairs: Local dishes are prepared and sold, featuring an array of Nevisian cuisine.

Activities on Culturama Day

On Culturama Day itself:

• Parades: There is usually a grand parade featuring vibrant costumes, floats, and troupes dancing to soca and calypso music.
• Concerts: Live music performances by local and international artists are a highlight.
• Craft Exhibitions: Artisans display their work including pottery, basketry, and other crafts.

The festivities not only celebrate freedom from slavery but also serve as a way for Nevisians to express national pride through an immersive display of their cultural legacy.