Charles Town Maroon Festival explodes at 16

FOR FOUR days this past weekend, the Maroon community of Charles Town in Portland was a melting pot of cultural and academic activities as they held their 16th Annual International Charles Town Maroon Conference and Festival. Part of the activities was the observance of Captain Quao Day, celebrating his victory over the British and the signing of the 1839 treaty of peace and friendship.

Apart from the well-received presentations and academic papers, some via the Internet, visitors and residents were treated to daily hypnotic traditional drumming, singing and dancing.

There were rituals and pageantries, entertainment from local and out-of-parish performers and artistes. Of special note were performances by the contortionist, the fire eater/dancer, the kumina ritualists, the drum collective, etc. The Kingston Church of Christ was present to treat the elderly.

There is just too much to mention, but it must be noted that the surprise for the event was when some of the Haitian immigrants took over the drums after being fed and put on a jaw-dropping performance of singing, drumming and dancing at the end of the final day.