Tobago: Emancipation Day to kick off with exciting drum beats

Tobago is all set to celebrate African Emancipation Day under the theme “A People, A Nation, A Journey of the Drums to Freedom. The event will include a street procession and a stage show.

Jessie Taylor, the cultural officer in the THA Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation shared the complete schedule of events. She highlighted Drumming to be the centrepiece for celebration.

Taylor stated that drums in the past were referred to be the source of healing as the voice echoed on plantation were responsible for sending messages and provide a soothing experience.

“Thus, we begin with the drums this year. Although the drum explosion is part of the Emancipation Day parade that concludes the Tobago Heritage Festival, we are proud to have partnered with the Tobago Drummers Association. However, it is actually under the jurisdiction of the Culture Department within the THA Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation” Taylor said.

The street parade this year will be starting from the Crown Point Colosseum at 9:00 am and will be strolling the streets on the way until its end at the Store Bay Heritage Park. The parade is going to be the celebration of colours and is going to be a moment to celebrate. The streets will be enchanted with delightful music announcing the freedom to all those residing in Tobago and the ones visiting the islands.

Taylor, the Cultural officer urged everyone to actively participate in the event then stating that the Emancipation Day is a special time for celebrating the freedom and the long journey it took to reach there. The festival will be a moment to indulge in rich cultural traditions passed down through ages.

“There is no greater day to celebrate our independence than independence Day, also known as Emancipation Day. The THA gives us a chance to gather with like-minded individuals and to reach out to others. Additionally, you have the chance to benefit from the knowledge transfer across generations,” he stated.