Independence Village | Best of Ja's culture on show
With the Independence euphoria already permeating the air, and as the celebrations are slated to begin, it has been promised that the best of Jamaica will be on show at the Independence Festival Village erected at the National Arena.
Dubbed the Cultural Hub, the village opens to the public at 12 noon daily, starting today through to Sunday, August 6, free of cost.
Under the theme 'Celebrating Jamaicans at Home and Abroad', the organisers of the event, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), stated that special thought had been given to those from the diaspora who were keen on experiencing the authentic culture of the island.
"We're mounting what we call the promenade of pride, which is basically a walkway that displays our numerous achievements in various fields throughout the 55 years, so it's for all persons to really reminisce and feel a sense of pride for what we've done over the period. Also, persons will be on hand to provide information where needed," director of marketing and public relations at the JCDC, Stephen Davidson, told The Gleaner.
"For the children, we're having a kiddies' village and, of course, we'll try as best as possible to entertain and educate them about the culture because it will be a melting pot of our culture," Davidson added.
Independence celebrations will also include paid nightly entertainment shows at the National Arena from July 29 to 30 and August 1 to 5.
The festivities conclude with the staging of the Grand Gala event on Sunday, August 6.
Activities in the Independence Village
Standing Ovation concert - Saturday, July 29, 8 p.m.
Jamaica Gospel Song Competition Grand Final - Sunday, July 30, 7 p.m.
Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competition Grand Coronation - Tuesday, August 1, 8 p.m.
Festival Fashion Flair - Wednesday, August 2, 8 p.m.
Mello-Go-Roun - Thursday, August 3, 8 p.m.
World Reggae Dance Championship - Friday, August 4, 8 p.m.
Kingston Reggae Night - Saturday, August 5, 8 p.m.
Grand Gala - Sunday, August 6, 6 p.m.