2020 has been the year of years! From the start who would have guessed loving someone would mean not visiting them? Keeping our distance to be safe? Cover our faces to make sure we make no one ill? These routines have affected most of our national and international events which previously would be celebrated with friends and families. Getting close to Christmas, the most celebrated feast of the year leaves everyone with a question mark on what to do. Meanwhile, some have come up with creative methods to keep this eve and the holidays to come, altogether.
Saint Lucia has plans to keep its Christmas traditions alive with some of its special rich customs. The 12 Days of Christmas in Saint Lucia will be broadcasted live on social media showing its centuries’ old traditions and spread joy like Bamboo Bursting, Creole carol-singing, and a recipe for Black Rum Cake.
Cannons are made out of large bamboo canes; fuel is poured into a hole. As the flames are blown, loud cannon booms are hearable all over the island.
The masquerade dancers, which come next are the most unforgettable and exciting Christmas traditions and children will love it. Wearing hats in the shape of cones and bright-colored robes the dancers perform their dance on the streets to the music of the shak-shak, drum, and flute.
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is working with the Folk Research Centre and the Cultural Development Foundation to broadcast these 12 Days of Christmas online and showcase the popular festivities to go around the restrictions COVID-19 has brought upon all of us.
While Coronavirus has changed the way we celebrate vents, we can ensure that the spirit of the season will be kept alive in some creative ways.