Vincentians offered taste of things to come for Nine Mornings 2013

Vincentians braved overcast conditions last Sunday night and were rewarded with a taste of what is in store for Nine Mornings this year.{{more}}

Activities to mark 100 years of celebrations of this country’s indigenous cultural tradition kicked off with a march around Kingstown, led by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force band.

The cultural tradition, in which persons venture out of their homes during the early morning hours of the nine days before Christmas, is believed to be unique to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Community and school groups, eager Vincentians and visitors congregated at Heritage Square for the evening’s showcase, which began with a religious presentation by the Streams of Power Worship Team and Pastor Errol Daniel.

Deputy chair of the Nine Mornings Committee Lennox Bowman, along with Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Cecil McKie also addressed the audience, encouraging all to participate in activities in their own, or other communities.

The spectators were treated to a parade of costumes depicting various aspects of Christmas activities in St Vincent and the Grenadines, including “Lighting up the Christmas,” Traditional Christmas,” “Black Cake,” “Sorrel Beer,” “Steel Pan,” “Boom Drums,” “Carolling,” “Nine Mornings,” and “100 Years.”

This was followed by performances by community groups from Owia, Point Village, Stubbs, Rose Bank, Questelles, Richland Park, and Carriere.

The Girls’ High School and Cultural Ambassador Sulle also performed to the large and appreciative crowd.

And of course, it would not be a Christmas and Nine Mornings event without appearances by the Bowmans and Carlton CP Hall.

Hall and Lennox Bowman performed a medley of local favourites, followed by Bowman and soca artiste Luta of Soca Dans fame.

Backed up by Bowman, Luta performed his 2013 Christmas releases “Girlyn” and “Roast Pork” which were well received.

“Rollie,” the younger Bowman also made an appearance, with Hall returning to the stage to bring the night’s proceedings to a close.

Sunday’s launch also saw the annual lighting of Heritage Square, which took place after a countdown led by McKie.

Nine Mornings celebrations will begin on the morning of December 16.(JJ)