During Tobago's annual Heritage Festival, the island erupts into a riot of colour and music as islanders celebrate its predominantly African culture and roots. Each village comes alive with drama and music and contributes its own unique presentations.
Originally inhabited by Amerindians, Tobago became home to African slaves and ownership of the island changed hands frequently as European powers of the day fought over it.
The traditional "Ole Time" wedding in the village of Moriah garners the most attention each year. This marriage ceremony highlights the impact of European culture on that of Africans. During the wedding procession, the guests dance the "Brush Back" to the strains of the fiddle and tambrin. It is fascinating to see the men dressed in three-piece suits, bow ties, top hats and white gloves and the women in 18th- and 19th-century bustle dresses, platform shoes, widebrim hats and gloves.
The festival is a family affair and children are allowed to display their talents at the Junior Heritage Explosion. As the event draws to a climax a Miss Heritage Personality and a Heritage Calypso Monarch are chosen to reign for one year at the Heritage Pageant.
The traditional "Ole Time" wedding in the village of Moriah garners the most attention each year. This marriage ceremony highlights the impact of European culture on that of Africans. During the wedding procession, the guests dance the "Brush Back" to the strains of the fiddle and tambrin. It is fascinating to see the men dressed in three-piece suits, bow ties, top hats and white gloves and the women in 18th- and 19th-century bustle dresses, platform shoes, widebrim hats and gloves.
The festival is a family affair and children are allowed to display their talents at the Junior Heritage Explosion. As the event draws to a climax a Miss Heritage Personality and a Heritage Calypso Monarch are chosen to reign for one year at the Heritage Pageant.
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