Independence street parades are back!

[Lazie]

It is 'ole time sinting come back again' as the Festival Street Parade and Grand Gala, underthe theme 'Riddim in Motion', has been reintroduced to the list of activities for the Independence Day celebrations.
Minister of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, says these activities, which were among the elements that made 'Festival' successful in the past, were reintroduced in an effort to revitalise the Festival season.

Depiction of pride
She also reminisced on her childhood during the season. "What I saw were some elaborate structures that depicted various themes. As a child, I thought that was something grand and depicted pride."
Grange said the activities were missed during the years of their absence and the public is pleased that they are back. She also wants visitors to come to Jamaica to see the celebrations as they did in the past.
On Independence Day, August 6, a total of 10 floats will be shown as part of the Festival Street Parade, ahead of the Grand Gala that will be held at the National Stadium.
Some of the communities in St Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew helping to make the designs are Tivoli Gardens, Denham Town, Arnett Gardens, Majesty Gardens, Allman Town, Fletcher's Land, Rockfort/Windward Road, Harbour View, Olympic Gardens, Marverly, August Town, Kintyre and Gordon Town.
Grange said the participants have been doing an excellent job. "The communities are interacting, idle hands are being occupied and a sense of belonging is being created."

Festival happenings

August 1-6

THEME: One love, one family!

August 1
Augus Fair - Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, St Andrew: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
World Reggae Dance Championship - Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre: 8 p.m.

August 2
Mello Go Roun' - National Indoor Sports Centre: 8 p.m.

August 3
National Thanksgiving Service & Gospel Celebration - Emancipation Park: 6 p.m.

Culinary Exposition Opening Ceremony - Jamaica Pegasus hotel: 11 a.m.

August 4
Culinary Exposition - Jamaica Pegasus hotel: 10 a.m.

August 6
Independence Street Parade - Streets of Kingston: noon
Independence Grand Gala - National Stadium
Western Jamaica Street Gala - Hip Strip, Montego Bay: noon
Floats for the Festival parade
'Passa Passa', 'Ancestral Passion', 'Mek A Joyful Noise' and 'Word, Sound, Power', designed by Michael Lorde
'Balancing Justice' and 'Return to Paradise' by Jambiz International
'Coronation Market' by Earl 'Fuzzy' Franklyn
'Olympic Dream' by Larry Watson 'Finding Wi Riddim' and 'Pickney Stories' by Garth Sanguinetti.

[Lazie]

Wow .. I remember my sister running and screaming when the junkanoo dancers came around.

Wah yuh say Jawge? Dem living in the past.

[Mosiah]

Sure, Lazie, your sister.

I guess you ran after her to bring her back to the float, right?

[Lazie]

Sure, Lazie, your sister.

I guess you ran after her to bring her back to the float, right?

Why should I be scared? My mom was always looked forward to the jankanoo dancers .. she dances to the "grater music" so why should I be scared. Then again, there was a pregnant man, and I heard my mom asked, "Tony, a you dat!"

By the way, what's your opinion on bringing back stuff like this?

[Mosiah]

I think it's great! Anything to replace or dilute that trini-import called carnival is good with me.

Seriously, I am all for keeping alive our culture, not just the very relevant dancehall culture. All the other things that kept us alive during our difficult times (slavery, colonialism), we need to have pride in them and celebrate them.

I know it's not the answer you wanted to hear, but I can't tell a lie!

[Gamma]

yuh sister? ...... ...... yuh sure yuh sister wouldn't seh is smaddy else used to run and scream?

[Lazie]

yuh sister? ...... ...... yuh sure yuh sister wouldn't seh is smaddy else used to run and scream?

Mi keep it real bredren!

[Gamma]

most times you do try...mi haffi gi yuh dat!