Bumper crowd for Fish and Dragon Festival

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Barbadian and Chinese culture melded together during the 10th Annual Fish and Dragon Festival at the Garfield Sobers Complex Saturday evening.

The family-oriented event was coordinated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Barbados and the Central Bank of Barbados. With the return to live performances since the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a large audience, filling the floor area and spilling over into the stands.

Event producer Adisa ‘AJA’ Andwele was initially concerned about a potential decrease in interest due to the absence of a troupe from China. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, stating, “I was really shocked at the amount of people that came.” 

He was particularly impressed with the diverse demographic in attendance, emphasizing that the event is inclusive for everyone, describing it as a “street fair in the gym.” 

Andwele acknowledged the acrobatic feats of the visiting troupe are typically a highlight of the event and assured that efforts would be made to ensure their inclusion in the next edition.

This year the expo featured an increase in booths. Among the exhibitors were the Chinese Embassy who provided information about scholarship opportunities and Going Places Travel who advertised their packages to Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an . Representatives of the Chinese Enterprise Association of Barbados were on hand marketing the range of services they provide. Some of the brave even tried acupuncture, which was available at another booth. The Chinese food on sale was another drawing card.

The marriage of talent was evident with stilt men and Chinese dragons moving in cohesion as they enchanted both adults and children alike. With a promise of good luck if they touched the dragon, many clamored for the opportunity. One of the popular attractions, especially for the children, was the ring toss where they excitedly competed to win Chinese themed toys. Attendees enjoyed table tennis and road tennis exhibitions and were able to get pointers from some of the island’s best, including Mark Dowell.

The festival highlighted the cultural richness of the Chinese, introducing new instruments like the Erhu played by Zhou Yuhan. The Taiji Wushu Association captured attention with a martial arts display, and the Chinese Medical Team in Barbados presented their talent through a dance accompanied by a flutist. Members of the Confucius Institute, including dancer Jessica Chow and younger vocalists, added to the diversity of the event.

Christ Church Foundation School Steel Orchestra entertained the audience with a mix of soca hits, including a medley of Edwin Yearwood tunes. For their excellent showmanship they were rewarded with calls for an encore, and they responded with RPB’s Something’s Happening.  Dancin’ Africa was a kaleidoscope of colour performing to Lil Rick’s Iz a Bajan.

The local contingent featured the Black Banana band led by Lowrey Worrell with backing vocals by Shekara Straker and Jeliah Boyce. Saxophonist Jelani Belgrave was a welcome addition to this session. The band provided accompaniment for Reniece Bonnett who opened with Rihanna’s Diamonds before launching into her own Crop Over offerings Property and Show Me Love. RPB had everyone rocking with Hallelujah and Ragga Ragga.

Closing this segment was Edwin Yearwood who had the crowd in the palm of his hands with his string of hits. He created hysteria when he invited some of his young fans on stage.

(STT)