Season of Emancipation Pop-Up Series Returns with Diverse Performances Across Barbados' Four Towns

The Season of Emancipation pop-up series, which will take dance, spoken word, drama and musical performances to the island’s four towns, is back.

On Saturday, April 13, events will be held in Speightstown at 11 a.m., in Oistins at midday, in Holetown at 1 p.m., and in Bridgetown at 3 p.m., jumpstarting the Season of Emancipation which officially starts April 14, the day observed as the Anniversary of the Bussa Rebellion.

Under the theme Reimagining the Past; Celebrating the Future, the Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office has planned a number of events for this year’s calendar.

The first event will start at 11 a.m. in the north by the Speightstown Esplanade with performances by the Haynesville Youth Group, La Shawna Griffith and songstress Roneisha Alleyne.

In the 17th century, Speightstown was a major port with ships arriving from England. Schooners ran between Speightstown and Bridgetown. Speightstown has been twinned with the British town of Reading and with the City of Charleston, South Carolina in the United States.

The Emancipation celebrations then move to Oistins Bay Garden at midday. Oistins played a significant role as a trans-shipment point for sugar and other crops grown at nearby plantations. In 1652, at The Mermaid Tavern in Oistins, the Charter of Barbados was signed between Oliver Cromwell’s representative and the Governor of Barbados who remained loyal to the King.

The charter guaranteed Barbados colonists rights and privileges unheard of in any other colony, including rights to their land and local control of taxation.

The cultural pop up at Oistins Bay

Garden Stage features the Israel Lovell Foundation, Winston Farrell and Aaliyah Cumberbatch.

At 1 p.m., the Police Station Complex in Holetown comes alive with entertainment by Tavon Boyce, spoken-word artist Deo De Poet and Phoenix Steel Pan Trio.

The day’s activities fittingly culminate at Golden Square Freedom Park in The City at 3 p.m.

Bridgetown was the first port of call for ships making the trans-Atlantic crossing from Africa. In the 17th century, it was regarded as the centre of the British Atlantic trade, as a port for the trade of goods including sugar and slaves. This historic city and its nearby Garrison was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

On stage at Golden Square Freedom Park will be Luci Hammans, Dancin’ Africa and Calvary Moravian Steel Orchestra.

The next major date on the Season of Emancipation calendar is National Heroes Day, on April 28.

Other key dates during the season are Labour Day, May 1; Africa Day, May 25; Day of National Significance, July 26; Emancipation Day, August 1; Marcus Garvey Day, August 17 and Jackie Opel Day, August 27. (PR)