Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine April 2016 | Page 95

Calendar of Events
JULY

JULY and AUGUST

Calabash Festival (July) - Named after the calabash
fruit, that was traditionally used to produce eating
utensils, musical instruments and decorative items,
the festival seeks to promote the destination’s local
craft industry to the rest of the world. With an
emphasis on culture, organizers are anticipating
strong support for the week-long event that will
be brimming with entertainment and educational
activities for both visitors and locals.

Cudjoe Head’s Festival Montserrat comes alive with
traditional fanfare during the annual celebration of
Cudjoe Head Festival. Held from July 29-31, 2011, the
festival invites residents and visitors to join in the events
that celebrate the island’s strong African heritage.
The festival that began in 1989 is designed to encourage
the reunion of the people of Cudjoe Head and share the
islan d’s diverse culture with others. The village of Cudjoe
Head was named after the 18th century slave by the name
of Cudjoe, who ran away from his master. He was caught
and lynched at Cudjoe Head corner and his head was
placed on a silk cotton tree to remind anyone considering
running away what the punishment would be if they were
caught.

The festival is named after the fruit of the calabash
tree which after being cut open and scooped out,
can be used as a dish, a storage container, a lantern,
musical instrument, fashion jewellery or handbags.
The calabash has for centuries been an indispensable
multi-purpose item in the homes of Montserratians
and has been identified as a cultural item.

Sponsored by the Office of the Chief Minister, the
Community Services Department, the Montserrat Tourist
Board and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Culture, Tourism
and Sports, the Festival has grown to include an annual
road race and walk, masquerades, local performances,
music from steel and live bands, and an exhibition of
goods.

Calabash Festival
&
Cudjoe’s Head Festival

MONTSERRAT

Additionally, the night before the festival, Cudjoe Head
Eve, is now a time known for revelry and fun with a street
festival that includes live music and food vendors.
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