Residents got into the holiday spirit over the weekend as they browsed vendor stalls, enjoyed musical performances, and received gifts from Santa Claus during the 26th annual Christmas in the City event.
Shore Way Drive in Road Town was closed to vehicles on Friday and Saturday to make room for vendors selling gifts and traditional Virgin Islands food. In the parking lot, a stage was erected to showcase live music and other performances. Nearby, bounce houses and a toy train were set up for children.
City Manager Janis Braithwaite-Edwards said the first night of the festivities had “good traffic,” which picked up further on Saturday as usual.
The weekend honoured musician Claude Parillon, who, “coming out of Dominica, has given the British Virgin Islands 50 strong years of musical renditions,” Ms. Braithwaite-Edwards told the Beacon.
“He has an awesome Christmas album, but we’re not doing that alone,” she added.
The Friday performances also included children from the Seventh-day Adventist Church playing bells and the Girl Guides singing and dancing. Four Strong International also performed.
The following night featured songs from four steel drum bands.
Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN-
Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
On stage
Girl Guides Auri-Ana El Shabazz and Angel Christi told the Beacon they were “very nervous” to sing a Christmas song on stage Friday evening. But although it was their first time performing at the event, they had fun.
“After I started singing, I was like, it’s not so bad,” Ms. El Shabazz said. “I was just up there with Angel, and that’s what really mattered. And then I wasn’t really looking at the crowd. I was just having fun.”
Ms. Christi agreed.
“After I started singing, it was really nice, ’cause I normally sing for my church. And I was like, there’s nothing to be scared about,” she said.
While it was Ms. Christi’s first time at Christmas in the City, Ms. El Shabazz is a regular attendee.
“I enjoy being here every year,” Ms. El Shabazz said. “I enjoy the local foods. I enjoy the gifts. I do some Christmas shopping while I’m here.”
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
On display
Each stall had its own array of items on offer.
Ladesa Tyson, who was working the Green VI booth on Friday, said she enjoyed getting the chance to tell people about the non-profit organisation’s work, including upcycling.
The following night, she said, she planned to bring her two boys to enjoy the festivities.
“I love quality time with my boys,” Ms. Tyson said. “I love seeing them smile, even though it might cost me a lot of money, because when they come here, they ask me, ‘Mommy, I want this,’ or, ‘Mommy, I want that.’ It’s no problem. Seeing a smile on their faces makes me happy.”
Santa visit
On Saturday night, children lined up to meet Santa Claus, played by Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Starting with children under 3, Mr. Wheatley posed with the kids and gave each one a gift.
British Caribbean News
