Hopetown Assn rebirths Soiree -to keep its ancestral culture alive

BOUGHT by enslaved Africans after emancipation sometime in the 1840s, the village of Hopetown, located on the West Coast of Berbice fifty-four miles from the capital city of Georgetown, has a very rich history and culture bounded by its ancestors.Soiree remains one aspect of the culture which has survived the passage of time, but this rich art form has been slowly dying over the last decade.

Keeping particularly this aspect of the culture alive is very important to a group of young people who grew up seeing their elders celebrate their freedom from slavery. For this reason, come Friday, July 31, 2015 (today), the MultiAction Association will strive to bring the true meaning of Soiree to both young and old in the “REBIRTH OF SOIREE”.

The hope is that, over time, they will bridge the gap between the younger and older generations in rehabilitation of the culture of their community.

During the days leading up to the day of Emancipation, including August 1 itself, the team of young, ambitious minds, which comprises Emerson Benjamin, Alister “Mr. Fathead” Roberts, Tasia Allen, Ludwig Joseph and Melissa “VANiLLA” Roberts, will be engaged in various activities, including honouring the Elders on August 1.

The most important events of the lot of activities to be undertaken will be the Adult Candlelight Parade, which will start at midnight; and the newly added Children’s Soiree Parade and Cultural Games, which will be held earlier in the day.

The Adult Parade will this year be in the form of a candlelight precession with inclusion of the GDF Band Corps, bringing vibrancy and “the real feel” to the Soiree vibes, as they did in years gone by. The parade usually begins at twenty hours, and moves from Fort Wellington to Bel Air Village and back, as persons march into Hopetown with their lights. At that time, all lights in the village are expected to go out, so as to convey what the emancipated had felt when they were finally given their freedom, and also to celebrate the purchase of their village.

The MultiAction Association hereby extends special thanks to The Guyana Police Force, especially to ‘B’ Division Commander Christopher Griffith, and to officers and ranks of the Fort Wellington Police Station. Deep gratitude is likewise extended to the following companies and agencies for their sterling support of a most worthy event: Bermudez, Banks DIH, Digicel; and to the Guyana Defence Force for its kind cooperation in making these events possible.

To all Guyana, the word from the MultiAction Association is, “See you in Hopetown on July 31st!” And remember to come early to catch the candlelight parade!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.