Greiggs Heritage Festival aiming for growth

Head of the Greiggs Garifuna Council John Nero says his organization is aiming at consistent growth, as they continue to improve on the hosting of the Annual Heritage Festival on National Heroes’ Day.

Held on Wednesday on the grounds of the Greiggs Central Playing Field, the festival attracted a large crowd, as persons got an opportunity to partake of many of the cultural activities which were on offer.

“We are not hunting the money… We want to create a product; a quality festival that would attract people to the dimensions of heritage,” Nero expounded.

The five dimensions of the festival included hut building, indigenous cuisine, evolving attire, costume, camouflage, baskets and handicraft, along with jewellery, beadwork and accessories.

Nero noted that his group tried to bring to life some of the customs and practices of the Garifuna people, hence the construction from scratch of nine huts at the host venue, utilizing as for as possible, local products.

Nero said a spin-off from the festival would be sustainable development, as they also seek to preserve the Garifuna culture.

As a means of getting to that point, Nero projected, “We want to introduce basketry, wood carving, stone carving and beadwork as a part of our indigenous culture.