The 2024 Tobago Heritage Festival is back with a bang as it returns for a month-long celebration, a significant change from its usual two-week duration. While some popular villages have decided to opt out of this year’s event, others have eagerly returned to educate and entertain audiences with their unique presentations.
One such community making a comeback after 21 years is Golden Lane, set to showcase their signature presentation Courtship Codes on July 13. The production delves into the challenges men faced in the past to win over their potential partners. Stories of men proving their worth by demonstrating their ability to provide for their future wives will be brought to life in a fresh and captivating manner this year.
President of the Mt Cullane Cultural Group, Gracie Phillips, shared insights into the unique traditions and criteria that men had to meet to secure a wife in the past. One such test involved splitting a piece of mora wood in half as proof of virility. Phillips emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural practices and shared the excitement of taking part in the festival once again.
Another village making a grand return is Roxborough, known for its re-enactment of the 1876 Belmanna Riots. This year, they are ditching traditional stage performances for an immersive street theatre experience to transport audiences into the heart of the riot that shook the village over a century ago.
Moriah’s Ole Time Wedding, the vibrant history of the tambrin in We Tambrin Story by Mt St George, and Mason Hall’s Games We Used to Play are just a few of the exciting presentations festival-goers can look forward to. From live music to historical re-enactments, the Tobago Heritage Festival promises to be a thrilling exploration of the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
As traditions are revived and stories are retold, this year’s festival, aptly named “We Come Back”, is a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Tobago’s heritage. With a lineup of events spanning the entire month, culminating in an Emancipation Day parade in Crown Point on August 1, there is something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate.
