Bamboo blowing is a technique used by mainly young males in November to represent/imitate the cannon, a powerful gun, which used an iron ball and gun powder.

Some of these guns could be seen at the Fort Charlotte and other places in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The fun of blowing the bamboo comes from the competition on who could have their bamboo making the loudest sound/shot.{{more}} Other things used to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day include star-lights and fireworks.

Bamboo Blowing – Dos

Parental supervision is necessary for children under 10 years of age

Use only kerosene in the bamboo

Keep your bamboo blowing away from flammable materials

Let your neighbours know that you will be blowing your bamboo, and for how long

Seek permission from your parents/guardian before blowing your bamboo

Break/cut open the bamboo after use (immediately or the next day)

Show respect for other people’s space

Bamboo Blowing – Don’ts

Do not cut your bamboo longer than four joints

Do not blow your bamboo in the street or pointed at vehicles

Do not put gasoline in the bamboo

Do not blow into the hole of the bamboo if there are flames around it

Do not block the end of the bamboo with objects or hand

Do not discard the used bamboo in the drains

Do not walk around blowing the hot bamboo

Do not play games with the fire from the flambeau

Parental Support

The bamboo blowing is a tradition which assists with the socialization, skills development, co-operation, dialogue, tolerance level, discipline, physical exercise and many more, for the youth who participate in such. You may not like some aspect of it, but children will be children and boys will be boys, so you should be a parent or adult who, instead of always knocking them, be there with them sometimes. Your presence may just make things a lot better.

Have an enjoyable Guy Fawkes Day/night on Thursday, November 5. (Contributed by the Green Hill Sports and Cultural Club).