From Caricom Today

This is one in a series of articles, photographs and videos from our archives that we will share over the next few weeks as we continue the countdown to CARIFESTA XII in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 21-30 August. The pieces will showcase our multi-faceted cultural heritage, the faces and the voices of our icons, our people.

First published in the CARICOM Secretariat Publication, CARICOM View CARIFESTA…a homecoming! (Volume 4 Issue 1/2008)

Religion is an essential element in the Caribbean culture and this was fittingly highlighted at tenth Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA).

Inserted into activities to underscore the range of diversities within the Caribbean culture, this element saw Muslims, Hindus and Christians integrally involved in CARIFESTA X.

On August 24, 2008, the National Park in Georgetown, Guyana, was transformed into a grand bazaar containing a rich representation of the Muslim culture. Islamic art and artifacts, craft and literature were displayed as part of this celebration of the Muslims’ presence in the Caribbean. Clothing and accessories associated with the Islamic culture were displayed, adding a touch of fashion to the presentation.

Over at the Guyana National Stadium, Hindus gathered three days later to showcase their religion with the singing of Bhajans [Hymns], classical Indian dances and dramatic performances based on the instructions in the Hindus’ holy texts. There was also a grand exhibition of art and craft, clothing and foods of the Hindu culture.

Hinduism and Islam were assimilated in the Caribbean when Indian indentured labourers were brought to the Region on the introduction of wage labour after the abolition of slavery.

Christians showcased their religion on August 28 also at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. Their presentation was done in the form of a concert which attracted one of the largest crowds at that venue.

Performances by celebrated Gospel recording artistes Mr. Lynks of The Bahamas, Guyanese-born Edward Nebblet and Sean Sobers, Calvin Curtis Whilby popularly known as Prodigal Son of Jamaica and Nicole Balusingh-Holder of Trinidad and Tobago, were the highlights of the concert.

As a reflection of the racial diversity among the followers of Christianity, there were gospel songs performed in Hindi, as well as Indian cultural dances. In addition, there were dance performances to ballad-type and hip-hop gospel music, an indication of how gospel compositions have evolved over the years. Other presentations included a 100-voice chorale, drama and poetry.

Celebrating the Caribbean’s religious diversity in CARIFESTA is a relatively new feature. In his remarks at the concert, President of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, said that Guyana had not only re-invigorated CARIFESTA, but had broadened its based, given the Festival’s popular appeal, and added features that were not there before.

We have harnessed the religious communities, the indigenous peoples’ experience and a whole range of activities that will cause this Festival to grow,” he said.

Guyana’s head of state noted that creating space for religion in CARIFESTA has reinforced the view that “we are not just material but spiritual beings.”

Guyana’s Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, the Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, who also addressed the concert, said “just as religion transcends gender, age and ethnicities, so too can our culture transcend barriers.” He added that culture and religion must be used to “heal and unite our people.”

IMAGES:
The 100-member choir performs at the Guyana National Stadium during CARIFESTA X
Dancers preparing to perform a classical Indian dance at the Guyana National Stadium during CARIFESTA X

For more on this story go to: http://today.caricom.org/2015/08/07/caribbeans-religious-diversity-celebrated-at-carifesta-x/