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If you are used to city life and a choice of entertainment every night, you may find Montserrat a bit quiet. But, considering its size and its population, which is around 5000 since more than half the population relocated from the volcano, the island possesses a wealth of artistic and performing talent.
Performances, however, tend to be concentrated at particular times of the year, such as in December when the island’s Festival is held, and St. Patrick’s Week. Because of the island’s small size, performances often tend to be for one night or at the most two nights only. But for that very same reason, everyone is sure to be there.
Considering this, you should keep tabs on what is happening during your stay. A good way to do this is by listening to Community Diary on Radio Montserrat, which is aired at intervals throughout the day. You can also ask the host or hostess at your hotel or guest house to keep you posted about any forthcoming entertainment.
Festival
Traditionally, Montserrat’s December Festival is one of the highlights of the year, and provides a showcase of the island’s culture and performing talent. The Festival is held during the last two weeks in December, usually climaxing on New Year’s Day with a big street parade. When the volcanic crisis surfaced in 1995, the Festival went low-key for a few years. But now, in spite of the ongoing volcanic activity, it is well on its way up again.
Montserrat's Festival has much in common with the carnivals staged in other Caribbean islands, but it carries its own unique character. Among the highlights of the Festival are beauty and talent competitions, the Calypso King competition, a costumed troupe competition, masquerade performances around the villages, informal street dancing (known as "jamming" or "jumping up"), and of course, the New Year’s Day parade.
Choral singing and dramatic performances are also a part of the Festival program and are highly recommended. Christmas is not forgotten, and there is always an open-air carol event, while the choral singing groups make sure to include some Christmas music in their performances.
As soon as December starts, pre-Festival events tend to occur. These may include school and church variety shows, art and craft exhibitions and more; so if you happen to be here in December, you can take your pick of entertainment. Many of the Festival shows take place at "Festival Village." in Little Bay, a large open-air enclosure with a stage; others are staged in the conference room of the Vue Pointe Hotel, or at other venues. Bitter End Beach Bar, with its outdoor stage, also makes a good setting for the smaller and more casual shows.
Masquerades
A special feature of the Festival, and other cultural events, are the Masquerades. Around seven male dancers, decked out in quaint costumes, tall headdresses, masks and whips, perform the traditional steps around the villages and at many of the Festival shows, to the sound of fife and drums, keeping the old tradition alive. This is a unique aspect of Montserrat’s culture, blending African and European elements.
Calypso
Calypso provides a rich vehicle for social commentary on local and world events, whether it is local politics, gossip, social issues or just plain humor. The songs, all original compositions, spark an intense interest locally in which Calypsonian has the best words or music. Occasionally female singers make it through into this mainly male arena, giving added interest.
Costumed Troupes
Adults and children in colorful and imaginative costumes form troupes, each depicting a theme or story. This is one of the most creative aspects of the Festival. The troupes usually appear on two separate days, first on the stage and later in the street parade.
Choral Singing
Montserrat is blessed with two outstanding choral groups, the Emerald Community Singers and . Both groups give sparkling performances, not only at Festival time but also throughout the year and for special events. Their beautiful singing, elaborately designed costumes and synchronized movements make them a pleasure to see and hear. The repertoire of these versatile groups includes a wide range of music, from classical and religious to light-hearted Caribbean folk songs. If you have the chance, do not miss these shows.
St. Patrick's Week
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Montserrat, in commemoration of the unsuccessful slave uprising on that day in 1768. The day, March 17, is extended into a whole week of activities, which also highlights Montserrat’s Irish heritage. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations went relatively low-key after the evacuation and subsequent destruction of the village of St. Patrick’s by the volcano in 1997, but the week of activities is now back full-steam.
There is plenty of goodwill, and events usually include a lecture/discussion, a church service, a special dinner, hikes in the mountains, and the Slave Feast and Freedom Run. Montserrat’s culture, music and traditional foods are highlighted, as well as some aspects of Irish culture.
Tourism Week
This is held in September and usually includes a street fair featuring arts, crafts and local produce, cultural shows and other activities. Tourism Week showcases the area’s culture and talent for the benefit of visitors, but it is also intended to encourage the local population to know and value of what the island has to offer.
Steel Band and String Band Music
Before the volcano, Montserrat could boast several school steel bands. Although many of these children have grown up or left the island, the steel band is now kept alive by teaching the children at summer workshops during the school holidays.
String band music is unique to the Caribbean, and is based on a combination of cultures. The lively rhythm of the string band with its traditional instruments will surely set your feet tapping and put you in a party mood. The Rude Boys String Band plays for the Festival and St. Patrick’s Week. They also perform on occasion at restaurants and bars, parties and other special events.
Drama and Storytelling
These are featured during the Festival and at other times of the year. Like the other entertainment, do not miss the opportunity to see these performances if you happen to be in Montserrat when they are going on. An excellent satirical drama is performed by the drama group Plenty Plenty Yac-Ya-Ya.
Musical Initiatives
In a joint initiative with musicians from Britain and Montserrat, there now exists a Music Education Trust to help with musical education in the schools and an Equipment Quest to assist in obtaining instruments and equipment for use by local musicians. This should provide a boost to all kinds of music on the island, and additional help in cash or kind is always welcome. These initiatives were a result of the high profile Many Happy Returns Concerts staged by volunteer musicians from Montserrat and overseas.
Variety Shows, Exhibitions and Village "Days"
Schools, churches and local charitable organizations, of which there are many, occasionally put on variety shows to raise funds. These may include solo and group singing, comic or dramatic skits and more. Schools or village community groups also occasionally hold art and craft exhibitions during the year. These events are often well worth attending and will give you insight into different aspects of life in Montserrat.
The main villages on the island hold special days or weeks of activities, which can include a variety of events such as exhibitions, hikes, sporting events and street parties; there are also occasional church fetes or bazaars.
Entertainment at Restaurants and Bars
The Good Life Restaurant and Night Club features "club nights." On Fridays and Saturdays after 10pm, when music for dancing is played. Here the young at heart can dance the night away in a semi-open air setting. (check beforehand during the summer months). Other nightspots feature occasional live music on the weekends, often with the popular One Man Band.
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