Union Island Easterval kicks off tonight

The Union Island Easterval, which has been around for some 47 years, has already made a name for itself, not just in St Vincent and the Grenadines and the region, but in parts of United States, Canada and England. This cultural tradition has become symbolic of the heritage of Union Island, and in some ways, define the uniqueness of its people.{{more}}

Regarded as the premiere show in the Grenadines, the Miss Easterval Pageant has continued to attract delegates not just from the Grenadine islands, but also the neighbouring countries of Trinidad, Grenada, Barbados, St Vincent, St Lucia and Dominica. Over the past couple of years, we have been able to attract contestants from Venezuela, Margarita, USVI and BVI.

The slogan for this year’s festival is “Our Heritage, Our Festival, Union Island Easterval,” a fitting slogan for this year’s festival, as we seek to focus more on developing and showcasing local talents.

The 2013 Activities:

Saturday, March 23rd: The Official Opening Ceremony: this takes place at Easterval city, where there will be cultural performances from local and neighbouring groups, speeches, expositions and local talent competition.

Sunday, March 24th: Southern Grenadines Inter-primary school sports: this takes place at the Clifton playing field where schools from Canouan, Carriacou and Petit Martinique and host Union Island will compete.

Wednesday, March 27th: Labulay is a night of traditional songs, ring games and storytelling, held during the dry season on full moon night and this year full moon in March will be during Easter and thus gives us a perfect opportunity to display a traditional event. The night will also include local fish dishes from our vendors and restaurants to provide our local guests on the island and from Palm Island and PSV a with truly unique experience.

Moonlight beach party: this is an event put on by a private promoter every full moon night at the kite surf beach that has been gaining a lot of interest from locals and tourists. It’s a beach party with a difference.

Thursday, March 28th: Basketball and Netball Competition: This event has been a fixture on the Easterval calendar of activities since the late 70’s. This year’s event will include teams from Grenada, St Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago and host Island Union Island battling for the Easterval trophy.

Foam Fete will take place at the Eagles Nest night club and is expected to have a good turnout.

Friday, March 29th: Basketball and Netball Competition: This year’s event will include teams from Grenada, St Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago and host island Union Island, battling for the Easterval trophy.

White fete: this is the fifth straight year that this fete is biggest fete of the festival. This fete will take place at the Eagles Nest night club.

Saturday, March 30th: Festival day: this takes place in at the Hugh Mulzac Square and is a day where there are activities for all ages.

Soca Fest without a doubt is the most anticipated event on the Easterval calendar of activities. This year’s show, which is schedule to take place on March 30th at the Ashton Sports Complex, will be no exception.. The show will feature internationally renowned band Burning Flames out of Antigua.

Sunday, March 31st: Miss Easterval Pageant is the flagship event on the Easterval calendar of activities. This year’s show will feature eight (8) delegates representing the USVI, Margarita, Union Island, Mayreau, Carriacou, Venezuela, St Vincent and Barbados.

Monday, April 1st: Jouvert Morning: In terms of crowd participation, this the biggest event for Easterval since it was introduced in 2000. The theme for this year’s Jouvert is “colours”.

Monday night mas: This event carries a Mardi-gras theme and will see patrons displaying face masks, glow sticks and mugs, t-shirts and beads. This will be the final activity for Easterval 2010.