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opinion
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The Greater Caribbean This Week Emancipation Day in Trinidad - Tobago: A highly aesthetic popular holiday by Watson R. Denis, PhD A country’s calendar of national holidays can teach us a great deal about its vision of the world, its culture and history, as well as the beliefs and religions that are professed there. After following the parade of Trinidadians and Tobagonians on Emancipation Day, last August 1st, I proceeded to examine the country’s calendar of national holidays. Based on their appellations and resonances, it is apparent that there are religious, political, historical, as well as general holidays. Emancipation Day falls into the category of historical holidays. Historical in the sense that on that day Trinidadians and Tobagonians commemorate the proclamation of general freedom. In fact, England, for various political, economic and historical reasons, declared August 1st 1834 the end of slavery in its colonies, among them two former colonies comprising today the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It was only on August 1st 1838 that this act actually materialized. What moves me to enter into a discussion on this holiday is the manner in which it was celebrated in Port of Spain. A popular holiday celebrated in the highest form of cultural aesthetics. A national holiday becomes a popular holiday when it is not confined to the official circles of power. It is taken over by a large portion of the populace and exudes a certain symbolism that is shared by that part of the population. As a result, in Trinidad and Tobago Emancipation Day was officially instituted in 1985, but over the past five years more and more people have felt the need to celebrate it through a number of events. During such events, the obvious symbolism is reflected in the African apparel. I was personally struck by the African dress donned by Trinidadians and Tobagonians during the commemorative period leading up to August 1st. It was visible everywhere from the Three Queens Concert (Singing Sandra, Ella Andall, Miryam Makeba) at the Jean-Pierre Complex to the Independence Square parade. It seemed to me that the streets of Port of Spain were transformed into a large parade of African fashion where anyone could win a prize for aesthetics. For some, it was special occasion apparel. Hairstyles were superbly coiffed and scarves were deftly tied high above the women’s heads. Some men were also conspicuous in their kingly costumes carrying a staff symbolizing power. The parade route was strewn with vivid colors, the colors of life and power. This garb was worn by adults as well as youths and children, which means that succession is guaranteed. All these beautiful people marched zealously to the rhythmic beats. On the one hand, the music vendors on Independence Square raised their decibels to the highest level both to attract new clients and to contribute to the festivities. On the other hand, wheeled floats enlivened the atmosphere. Naturally, the calypso reigned supreme, but a large number of persons moved to the beat of the musical rhythms of African origin emanating from the floats. Participating in the parade were such groups as The Emancipation Support Committee, Mix Mood and Attitudes Cheerleading Squad, Procession of Queens, Ajuka Gbogbo Orisha Ati Gbogbo Egun, Mantamby Freedom Drummers, Brotherhood of the Cross & Star, Indian Walk Community Council, as well as some steel bands, that phenomenal art form invented by local musicians. All in all, Emancipation Day is commemorated by wearing majestic African attire, listening and dancing to music reminiscent of the Alma Mater, cultural exhibitions, the parade of music bands playing African religious incantations, concerts and friendly gatherings during which a dish calling to mind the far-off continent of the ancestors may even be sampled. The commemorators have done their utmost to evoke and represent Africa, a mystical and glorious Africa, one of beauty, splendor and delight. Nevertheless, the commemoration of the holiday is not only an idealization of the glorious past of Africa , but also portrays a certain vision of the reality of today’s world. There were implicit demands in my interlocutors’ remarks. Some believe that the acquired freedom is not complete since Blacks do not yet hold the reins of the world economy. Others are of the opinion that some of their fellowmen are not totally free since they still carry within the stigma and forms of the hegemonic thought,” not forgetting the traces of racial discrimination that still pervade. Once again, a national holiday can indicate the extent to which a nation identifies with its history and culture. It may also give somewhat of an idea of its vision of the world and its future, especially when it becomes the expression of a national conscience. Finally let’s say that Emancipation in Trinidad and Tobago is a holiday that is firmly entrenched in the three dimensions of time or history: the past, present and future.
Dr. Watson Denis is the Political Adviser of the Association of Caribbean States. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Comments and reactions can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org
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