#SpeakingOut – Preserve the Holetown Festival

Holetown Festival culminated last weekend. For decades, I have attended the festival, an event that embodies the heart and soul of St James.

During a land acquisition resolution debate last week, Senator Ryan Walters spoke about the annual event. I commend him for bringing attention to the festival’s unfortunate decline. His remarks in Parliament Wednesday reflect a sentiment shared by many of us who have watched our beloved celebration diminish in both prominence and support.

In its prime, the Holetown Festival was a spectacle of culture and community. Streets would overflow with locals and visitors alike, immersing themselves in the vibrant displays of Bajan heritage.

The food stalls were a culinary paradise, offering everything from piping hot fish cakes to the rich, spiced aroma of puddin ‘n souse. The parade, led by the Mounted Branch of the Royal Barbados Police Force, was a grand procession of colour and pageantry.

Young women in beautifully themed costumes, representing both our colonial past and independent future, marched proudly to the rhythmic beat of steel bands.

The festival offered everything — beauty pageants, church services, polo matches, road races, and even offshore demonstrations by the Coast Guard. It was an event that truly unified us.

Now, that magic is fading. The festival has lost its onceunwavering support, overshadowed by new government initiatives like We Gatherin’, which, while important in their own right, should not come at the expense of traditions that define us.

As Senator Walters rightly pointed out, the level of investment and enthusiasm poured into these newer events far surpasses what is given to longstanding cultural staples like Holetown. Where is the festival pageant that once showcased our young women and local designers? Where is the vibrancy of a truly well-funded celebration? This festival is not just another event on the calendar — it is a living testament to our history. Holetown is where it all began for Barbados, and this festival has always been the bridge between our past and our future. We cannot afford to let it fold.

I implore the government and stakeholders to restore the Holetown Festival to its former glory. Let us reinvest in the activities that once brought thousands to our streets. Let us ensure that future generations know the joy of pony rides, the pride of a cultural parade, and the deep connection to our shared history.

Senator Walters has given voice to what many of us have felt for years. Now, we must do something. St James and all of Barbados deserve nothing less.

Jeffrey Durant