The heritage of the Virgin Islands will be explored through the real stories of enslaved Africans, remembrances from the early 20th century, traditional V.I. music, dance, herb lore, food and more this Sunday at St. George Village Botanical Garden’s Fall Heritage Festival.
"Juni Bomba" Allick will blow the conch shell at noon, signaling the beginning of the fun. To set the mood, jazz and quelbe musician Dimitri "Pikey" Copemann and some of his musical friends will strike up the band right after the conch shell blows. Later Copemann will demonstrate how to create musical instruments from natural materials.
Also around noon, Veronica Gordon will demonstrate how to make Crucian bush seafood kallalloo using select wild, native greens in the rich, thick, traditional Crucian stew. Later Gordon will lead informative tours of St. Georges’ medicinal herb garden, discussing what plants were historically used for which purposes, and visitors will get to taste several "bush teas" made from medicinal and flavorful herbs.
The real lives of seven slaves who lived on the property will be dramatized in performance by the Per Ankh Dance Troupe, led by ChenziRa “Dr. Chen” Kahina. Per Ankh will also demonstrate Bamboula dance.
Judy Bain will weave baskets and make dolls. LaVonne Wise will demonstrate hand-caning furniture. Stephen O’Dea and his donkey, Eeyore, will offer donkey cart rides. And Joan Keenan will demonstrate traditional local games.
Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children. For more information, contact the St. George Village Botanical Garden office at 692-2874 or email infoatthegarden@gmail.com.
