Many unique and fun aspects of Barbados’ cultural and heritage scene was on display at Portvale Sugar Factory, St James last Saturday July 2, when the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) officially kicked off the 2022 Crop Over Festival.
The Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and Vintage Calypso Tent, which signals the festival’s opening, commenced for the first time at the Rock Hall Freedom Village, St Thomas and the procession wound its way down to a magically transformed Portvale Factory Yard.
The island’s last remaining operational sugar factory was 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 was 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 put canvases, easels, paint, and paint brushes in the hands of at least 20 lucky patrons, who sipped their favourite drinks while painting their own masterpieces under the guidance of Pedro.
To make the evening even more special, the lucky patrons 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.
“As long as you can hold a paint brush, even if you are 100-years-old, you are welcome to join us. There were two two-hour sessions with 10 participants in each group.
In the area of art and craft will Sue-Ann Gilkes, a local producer of high quality clothing and jewellery, under the Island Girls brand.
Sue-Ann has been producing jewellery and clothing for three decades and she encouraged 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,” she stated.
The Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes was a free event for the entire family and featured 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.
