Nine Morning Festival off to bright start

The 2024 Nine Mornings Festival got off to an energetic, colourful start on Sunday, December 1, in capital Kingstown. The parade with musical accompaniment, saw the involvement of hundreds of lustily singing people of all ages, and ended at Heritage Square for the official launch that involved addresses and the Best New Song Competition, among other elements. For the second straight year, Barrouallie, won the Best Nine Mornings Community New Song with their rendition, ‘I hear I hear, Spread de Christmas cheer!’

Barrouallie won the Best Nine Mornings Community New Song with their rendition, ‘I hear I hear, Spread de Christmas cheer!’

Following Barrouallie was the Richland Park Community Group, with their original piece ‘Arwe Christmas is the best’; while Fitz Hughes was adjudged third.

However Fitz Hughes won the best community street parade. They were followed by the Layou Development Group, and Stubbs in third place.

This year’s festival was launched under the theme ‘Wake Up! Nine Mornings We Going’ as revealed by Chairman of the National Nine Mornings Committee, Orande “Bomani” Charles.

Charles affirmed the Committee’s intention to continue promotion of the festival and maintain its 100 years worth of cultural identity.

He acknowledged the efforts of homeowners who challenge themselves each year to light up their homes and communities in celebration of Christmas.

“I urge the general public to go out and visit these communities and show your appreciation for their very hard work,” Charles said.

He spoke as well of the addition of activities at the Kingstown venue, including bicycle riders, sports and traditional games, and the Flow Nine Mornings train.

The Richland Park Community Group, performing their original piece ‘Arwe Christmas is the best’.

“Last year we introduced a new hit segment- the Nine Mornings Wake ‘N Wheel, where we invite persons to come down early between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. You can enter for a chance to spin our wheel and win attractive prizes.”

Charles said this year will see another addition- the Nine Mornings Kitchen, where patrons can indulge in Festival Foods in Kingstown and rural communities.

He said the Committee has partnered with local motor sports groups – HyperSpeed and 784Streets, to host car exhibits at the Post Office in Kingstown.

“Without a doubt, Nine mornings is one of our largest cultural festivals,” declared Charles.

The National Lotteries Authority (NLA) for many years, has been one of the festival’s major sponsors. This year is no different, with representative Anthony Dennie, declaring the organisation’s commitment to Nine Mornings.

“We remain committed this year and years to come. The NLA of course is committed to the Nine Mornings festivities here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Also delivering remarks was Minister of Tourism and Culture, Carlos James, who championed for communities to come together this Christmas, and encouraged the masses to show love to each other this season.