Many unique and fun aspects of Barbados’ cultural and heritage scene will be on display at Portvale Sugar Factory, St James on July 2, when the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) officially starts the 2022 Crop Over Festival.
The Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes which signals the festival’s opening, will commence for the first time at the Rock Hall Freedom Village, St Thomas, before the procession winds its way down to a magically transformed Portvale Factory Yard.
The island’s last remaining operational sugar factory is the backdrop for a colourful, enthralling festive fair and launch event, dubbed Sugar Mek It Sweet.
One of the many reasons to be at Portvale early is the opportunity for at least 20 patrons to enjoy a free two-hour session of Sip-and-Paint with artist and teacher Pedro Taitt.
The art instructor with the Community Development Department will put canvases, easels, paint, and paint brushes in the hands of at least 20 lucky patrons, who will sip their favourite drinks while painting their own masterpieces under the guidance of Taitt.
To make the evening even more special, the lucky patrons will get to keep their art pieces.
“It is my way of giving back to the community and an opportunity for people to see the service that I offer, and realise that anyone can be taught to paint,” he disclosed.
Taitt says participating will be on a first-come basis and it is open to persons from the age of nine years.
“As long as you can hold a paint brush, even if you are 100-years-old, you are welcome to join us. There will be two two-hour sessions with 10 participants in each group.
In the area of art and craft will be Sue-Ann Gilkes, a local producer of high-quality clothing and jewellery, under the Island Girls brand.
Gilkes has been producing jewellery and clothing for three decades and she is encouraging Barbadians to come out and support local artists and craft persons.
“We have suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic and many of us are still going through a tough time. It is our livelihood and source of income. So, we are asking everyone to come out to the opening gala for Crop Over to support artists like myself,” she entreated.
The Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes is a free event for the entire family featuring Grand Kadooment and Foreday Morning costumes, stilt walkers, shaggy bears, tuk bands, the Land Ship, the Barbados Police Service Band, food, art, craft, drinks, stick licking and Bajan cuisine demonstrations, along with a contingent from the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church. (PR)
