June 25, 2012
PRESS RELEASE:
TOBAGO HERITAGE FESTIVAL OFF TO A VIBRANT START!
Scarborough, Tobago- The 2012 Tobago Heritage Festival began with a vibrant explosion of colour, dancing, drumming, singing and drama with the “Bago Bele Festival” at the Belle Garden Recreational Grounds last Saturday night.
The Bele Festival kicked off a month-long celebration in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the Tobago Heritage Festival. The Festival usually runs for two weeks from mid-July to Emancipation Day (August 1st).
The event began with a Street Parade to the Recreational Grounds and culture enthusiasts who braved the inclement weather conditions were not disappointed as groups from as far as Laventille and Mayaro and as near as the host village showcased their skills in the various genres of Bele dancing. At times, Master of Ceremony for the night Kenetta Bobb challenged the audience’s knowledge by inviting them to guess the type of dance that had been previously performed. Patrons were particularly impressed by the Parlatuvier Cultural Mentors orange and gold attire along with their fluid Bele Jig skills as well as the theatrics of the Picton Folk Performers who combined various forms of Bele with a dramatic storyline.
Secretary of Community Development and Culture, Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, expressed confidence that the future of the art-form was in capable hands as evidenced by riveting performances by youth groups Rhythm Babes, Roxborough Police Youth Club and Quakettes who received rousing applause from the audience.
“This is a perfect illustration of the suitability of this year’s Tobago Heritage Festival theme – Heritage: Yours, Mine and Ours – To Preserve and Protect. The passion and skills displayed by the young dancers tonight leaves me very comfortable that this tradition will live on for many generations.” She said.
The Belle Garden Folk Performers brought the show to an end with the symbolic handing over of the tradition by the elderly Bele Queen, Hilda Boucher to the new generation of Bele Dancers.
The 25th Anniversary of the Tobago Heritage Festival continues with the Village Drum Call on Monday July 2nd at the Calder Hall Hard Court from 6 p.m.; Toree Boy on Tuesday July 3rd at the Glen Road Community Centre from 6 p.m. and the Youth Heritage Festival on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th July from 10 a.m. at the Scarborough Esplanade. The Department of Culture will host weekly Pre-Heritage Warm Up activities at its GNV Building office downtown Scarborough from Friday July 6th from 4 p.m. until the end of the Festival.
Salisha Small-Moses (Mrs.)
Communications Coordinator
Division of Community Development and Culture
Tele: (868) 688-8234