Heritage Fair celebrates Barbadian culture

By Anesta Henry

Barbadians and visitors are flocking to the Rock Hall Heritage and International Fair, currently in full swing at Freedom Village, St Thomas.

The fair, organised by the Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office, exposes those who attend to a rich diversity of Barbados’ cultural heritage through many activities, including displays of traditional cultural practices, such as wood carvings and Landship manoeuvers.

Attendees have opportunities to listen to talks on bush heritage medicines and to engage in genealogy tracing. While books on Barbadian history and culture are on sale, there are displays of art and craft and an afro fashion market.

A highlight of the initiative is the Remember When Corner for the older generation, sponsored by the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs to allow the elderly to have their stories of growing up in Barbados recorded to be used as tools for teaching the youth about the bygone days, and the importance of preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

The fair also has activities in store for younger persons, as the National Library Service (NLS) hosts a Children’s Corner with traditional Bajan games, paintings, oral stories, and puppets.

Senior Cultural Policy Officer in the Division of Culture, Sharon Johnson, told Barbados TODAY that the fair is one of the signature events to be held during Heritage Month, which is observed as part of the Season of Emancipation.
She said Freedom Park is an important site in light of the fact that it is the first free village established by a group of formerly enslaved persons after Emancipation.

“And it is because of that action that we, as black Barbadians, are able to own land and also to vote. And it is important, therefore, that we have an event here during heritage month within the Season of Emancipation to recognise this site,” Johnson said.

She added: “This year, during the Season of Emancipation and Heritage Month, we are celebrating the natural heritage of Barbados. So hence we are in this beautiful scenic area, and all the craftspersons here have something to do with the natural heritage. There are no plastic toys really for the children. Everything is natural products and services that have been created.”

The fair is scheduled to end later this evening. (AH)