Trinidad and Tobago's Emancipation celebration 2009 promises to be exciting

The celebration of Emancipation in Trinidad and Tobago will this year take place from July 29 - August 2, 2009. With major events planned on both islands, Emancipation 2009 promises to be an exciting, exhilarating mix of culture, art, education, spirituality and entertainment. The Emancipation Support Committee's theme for this year’s celebration is “Seize New Opportunities as the World Changes.” It is built on the premise that focus should be on positive motivation and action, rather than on the despair that could easily arise out of the current global economic crisis and other major international changes that are reshaping the world.

The national community, as it reflects on past, present and future achievements of the African diaspora, is expected to join the Emancipation Support Committee's in celebration.The Government of Trinidad and Tobago continues to show its support of the celebrations in a tangible way.

One example of this will be seen at the National Museum where an Emancipation Exhibition is expected to be held in coming days. The recently concluded Kwame Ture Lecture Series entitled “Baby Doll Intervention Technique” was also hosted by the National Museum and Art Gallery.

Festivities are scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 from 7:00 pm with the Grand Opening at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Jean Pierre Complex.

Youth Day, July 30, will explode with performances, theatre, workshops, outdoor fun and presentations that explore a range of cultural and oral traditions. A symposium entitled: "Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment" will be held on Friday July 31st where trade, industry and business relationships will be developed. Later on that afternoon, community groups will get the opportunity to participate in cultural performances and the night will culminate with a Pan African Concert.

On Emancipation Day, Saturday, August 1st, 2009, events commence at 5:00 am, with a ‘Tribute to Ancestors’ - prayers and libations; and at 9:00 am, the annual Kambule or Street Procession from the Brian Lara Promenade to the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village will take place.

There will be cultural activities all day at the Village and Emancipation day celebrations will end with the Flambeaux Procession sharply at 7:30 pm. On Sunday August 2nd, 2009, a Family Day event will take place to include a food fair, a public forum, a youth Concert and Vintage Calypso followed by the official closing of the Emancipation Village.