Colors and culture – Holetown Festival a delight

With the formal ceremony out of the way, day two of the 2023 Holetown Festival started its full roster of activities. Starting early on Saturday, the event catered to the entire family. Many visitors to the island were in attendance, and they lapped up all the sights.

In the designated shopping area, vendors offered a diverse range of products, including plants, craft, clothing, and accessories. Large crowds strolled between the stall spaces throughout the day and continued to do so well into the night. Many of the stall owners recorded steady sales, with souvenirs and handmade jewellery being a hot commodity. Among those mingling with those plying their trade was the Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc Dr. Jens Thraenhart.

The Sandy Crest and Coverley Medical Centres and Courtesy Garage Street Parade and Vintage Car Show took place in the morning. The parade conjured feelings of Kadooment as the procession made its way through the area. Vibrantly clad, energetic cheerleaders from both the Blackman and Gollop Primary School and St. Michael School added to the carnival like atmosphere. Not wanting to be left out, even a contingent of skaters joined the procession.

The BTMI Bajan Dooflicky, presented by Dawn-Lisa Callender-Smith, was a spectacle of Barbadian culture. Incorporated were traditional characters including stilt men, the Mother Sally and the acrobatic green monkey who displayed his flips to the delight of those lining the streets. Some spectators got the chance to join the fun as they showed off their dexterity, trying to outdo the limbo dancer.

In the afternoon, Schools in Action on the Big Stage saw performances by the Kloud 9 band with saxophonist Kofi Gilkes at the helm. The sweet strains of steel pan music by the Daryl Jordan Secondary School drew visitors to the area.

Later in the evening, audience attention was captured by the Celebrity Mixologist Competition, hosted in association with Mount Gay Rum. It was a battle to see who could dethrone reigning champs Rum and Koke. Ambassador for the Festival, Damian ‘Hypasounds’ Etienne, placed second while Shayne ‘DJ Ras’ Edwards placed third. The multi-talented Carl ‘Alf’ Padmore eventually walked away with top honours for his concoction called Ex-Woman, which was adjudged the most balanced beverage. Other competitors were social media personality Akhnaten Burrowes and calypsonian Adrian Clarke.

It was a Soca Rumble in the last segment of the night. Some of the island’s top entertainers hit the stage. Hypasounds excited fans with some of their favourites from his extensive catalogue. He was followed by reigning Road March King Bruce Lee Almightee with his winning track, Mauby. He teased with a soon-to-be released track.

Hometown bashment soca artiste Stiffy was thrilled to be a part of the cast, as he recalled having attended the festival from the time he was a child.

Peter Ram impressed with a series of his hits from across the years. Members of the audience, who had been standing back from the stage prior to his appearance, surged forward as he gave away some goodies to the enthusiastic attendees.

The crowd went wild when Lil Rick emerged and whipped them into a frenzy like only he can. The night closed with the general Edwin Yearwood. The audience became his backup choir, singing all his music word for word.

The festival concludes tonight with the Bim Ah Come From concert which will feature performances by Adrian Clarke, Biggie Irie, RPB and more.(STT)