CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – The countdown to Culturama 52 is officially underway, with organisers unveiling an exciting and updated Calendar of Events that promises weeks of vibrant cultural celebrations, entertainment, pageantry, music, sports and community activities.
The festival officially opens on Thursday, July 23, with the opening of Culturama House, followed by the National Bank Ms Culture Swimwear and Mr Kool Contest on Friday, July 24 at the Nevis Cultural Complex.
Among the festival’s signature events are the National Bank Culturama Senior Kaiso Monarch Competition, the National Bank Culturama Soca Monarch Finals, Junior Kaiso, Junior Calypso Monarch, Junior Street Jam, National Panorama, and the ever-popular National Bank Culturama 52 Adult Parade through the streets of Charlestown on Tuesday, August 4.
The festival culminates on Wednesday, August 5, with the Emancipation/J’ouvert Jump-Up, bringing the curtains down on another celebration of Nevisian culture and heritage.
In addition to the core events, the festival calendar features an extensive lineup of fringe activities, including beach parties, poetry, gospel concerts, drag races, horse racing, the Culturama Wake & Ride Games, the Culturama Beach Affair, the Interdenominational Service, and several sporting events, ensuring there is something for everyone throughout the festival season.
The calendar also includes the annual Republic Bank Mr. & Miss Talented Youth Pageant, Aquatic Sports, Culturama Horse Race, and the Nevis Aquatic Centre Swim Meet, highlighting the festival’s commitment to celebrating culture, youth development and sports.
Held under the theme “Our Heritage, Proud & True: It’s Culturama 52!”, this year’s festival is expected to attract thousands of patrons for what promises to be another memorable celebration of Nevisian identity and culture.
The Republic Bank Mr. & Miss Talented Youth Pageant is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, while the Opening of Culturama Village takes place on Thursday, July 23. On Friday, July 24, the spotlight shifts to the National Bank Ms Culture Swimwear and Mr Kool Contest at the Nevis Cultural Complex.
The festival intensifies during the final week of July with:
Monday, July 27: National Bank Panorama and the TDC Kaiso Tent Finals.
Tuesday, July 28: Junior Calypso Monarch, Junior Kaiso, and the People’s Choice Award.
Wednesday, July 29: Preliminary judging for the National Bank Soca Monarch.
Thursday, July 30: National Bank Soca Monarch Finals and the TDC Kaiso Finals.
Friday, July 31: TDC Senior Kaiso Finals and the unveiling of Miss Culture.
The climax of the festival begins on Saturday, August 1, with the National Bank Culturama 52 Adult Parade, followed by the Bank of Nevis Teen Pageant, Culture Open Pageant, and Venue Media Cultural Complex.
Activities continue on Sunday, August 2, with the Bank of Nevis Queen Pageant at the Nevis Cultural Complex. The festivities move into Monday, August 3, with the Emancipation/J’ouvert Jump-Up, before concluding on Tuesday, August 4, with the Culturama 52 Grand Street Parade and Last Lap through the streets of Charlestown.
In addition to the core events, the festival calendar includes a wide variety of Fringe Activities, beginning with the Interdenominational Service on Friday, July 17, followed by the Beach Watch on Sunday, July 19.
Other fringe highlights include:
Friday, July 24: Dramatic Public Lecture.
Saturday, July 25: Aquatic Sports, Horse Race, Wake-Up Culturama, Tropical Splash, and the Windwards Food Fair at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park.
Sunday, July 26: Culturama Horse Race, Culturama Aquafest, and the Culturama Wake & Ride Games at Lime Kiln Beach and the Nevis Athletic Stadium.
Tuesday, July 28: A Night of Poetry.
Wednesday, July 29: Rhythmz Dance Jumbie Experience.
Saturday, August 1: “So N We!” Fete.
Sunday, August 2: Culturama Drag Race.
Monday, August 3: Herbert’s Beach Affair, Bank of Nevis Ms Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant, and the Culturama Beach Affair.
Organisers are encouraging residents, members of the diaspora, and visitors to mark their calendars and participate in the wide range of activities celebrating Nevisian culture, creativity, and community spirit.
Held under the theme “Our Heritage, Proud & True: It’s Culturama 52!”, this year’s festival promises another unforgettable celebration of the island’s rich traditions and cultural heritage.
