Barbadians and visitors enjoy Queen’s Park tradition

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Scores of people took to Queen’s Park, The City this morning to enjoy the traditional Christmas merriment and entertainment.

Many were dressed in their finest maintaining the glamour and spectacle expected year on year.

The ambience was warm and friendly and the weather was just right. It was a cool and breezy Wednesday morning.

The melodious music of the Barbados Police Band  that accompanied Promise The Band had the crowd dancing and swaying. They rendered popular Christmas hits and the infectious rhythms made it impossible to stay still.

For twin sisters June Davis-Freeman and Hettie Davis, going to the park on Christmas Day is a tradition they have been taking part in since the 70’s.

“We have been coming to the park for years since we were young girls when our mother brought us,” said Davis-Freeman. “It gives a wonderful and happy feeling. We come to the park after church and enjoy ourselves. Christmas without coming to the park isn’t Christmas for us. We love coming to the park, it is a must.”

Her sister said:”We love to hear the police band and the best gospel band in the world Promise.”

Mother and daughter Lana and Delandra Taylor visit the park each year to soak in the infectious music, they said.

“I love the decorations, the trees, the environment, the feeling in the air,” said Delandra.

“We have been coming to the park from the time she (Delandra) was a baby, she is 26 so it’s been for 26 years. We are a team and we move together. We come after church and enjoy ourselves,” Lana added.

The Winckler family returned home for the holidays to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the birthdays of several  family members as well.

The family, which migrated to various parts of the world such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan, were also taking part in the festivities in Queen’s Park. More than 20 members returned home comprising more than four generations.

They are here until January 12.

Pearl Winckler said this was a special occasion as this was the first time so many of the relatives were able to spend Christmas together.

Around 8 a.m.,  President Dame Sandra Mason made a special appearance with her family and close friends.

She was dressed in a stylish earth tone themed outfit. She toured the park and interacted with some of the attendees and then she made her way to the esplanade to enjoy the sweet sounds of  the Barbados Police Band.  sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb