On Sunday at the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival, the Ralph T. O’Neal Hat Parade once again brought the community together in a colourful celebration of culture and creativity.
The parade was launched in 2016 as a way to draw more community participation in the annual festival, according to organiser Esther Wheatley.
“The idea was to create a fun, creative experience after Easter services, where families could come out, wear their hats, and enjoy a day of unity,” Ms. Wheatley said.
The event is also a tribute to Ms. Wheatley’s father, the late former premier Ralph O’Neal, who represented Virgin Gorda in the legislature from 1975 until his retirement in 2015.
“Our family is committed to keeping his spirit alive through this event,” said Ms. Wheatley, who wore a traditional hat woven from blond straw.
Pat Meede, who traveled from Antigua for a vacation in Virgin Gorda, was also among the participants.
“My new friend Jahnai told me I should come and join in the fun, and I’m really glad I did,” she said.
Ms. Meede, who wore a blue hat to match her blue top, not only participated but won the Best Traditional Hat category.
“I was quite excited, and I was so elated to win a prize,” she said.
Jahnai Caul, a VG farmer and craftsman who wore a hat he made from coconut-tree fronds, highlighted the event’s cultural significance.
“It’s one of my personal highlights of the festival, being one of the cultural highlights,” he said.
Mr. Caul won the Traditional Weave Hat category.
“I’ve made coconut hats in the past, and I usually weave more than one for myself and bring one to share with others,” be said. “I even entered the category for the best coconut hat, though my goal isn’t to win but to showcase my craft.”
Donations
Despite a smaller turnout this year of only six hat entries, the mood remained spirited.
Because of the light participation, the grand prize of $1,000 was donated directly to the Ciboney Centre for Excellence instead of being awarded to one of the contestants, Ms. Wheatley said.
However, other smaller prizes were handed out in categories including Prettiest Hat, Funniest Hat and a special “Berton Creque” category that was sponsored by Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley, who represents Virgin Gorda in the House of Assembly.
The Ciboney Centre received another boost from participant Rose Gardner, who gave the school her $200 prize for Best Church Hat, Ms. Wheatley said.
“Next year, we hope to increase participation and continue building on this tradition,” the organiser added.
British Caribbean News