Members of Intrigue Dancers perform before parade judges in front of Mi Amor on Monday during the August Monday Parade. There were considerably fewer entries in the annual event. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG

Reginald Andrew left the Virgin Islands with his parents when he was just 3 years old, but he has returned each summer specifically for the August Monday Parade.

Members of Intrigue Dancers perform before parade judges in front of Mi Amor on Monday during the August Monday Parade. There were considerably fewer entries in the annual event. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG
On Monday, the St. Thomas resident was among hundreds who lined the streets in Road Town to watch the August Monday Parade that began at Prospect Reef and ended at the Rita Francis Festiville.

The procession of dancers, troupes, floats, majorettes and cultural presentations brought to an end days of concerts and festivities in Road Town as part of the August Emancipation Festival.

“The festival on Tortola is peaceful and safe compared to other place,” Mr. Andrew said. “I always believe in safety, safety comes first and I always find that here in Tortola; you can mash on anybody’s foot and it’s no problem.”

Along with offering safety, the parade and other festival celebrations are a way of keeping the territory’s culture and heritage alive, said Carmen Crabbe, who joined veteran parade entry “Limping Jack” in his cultural entry.

“I decided to join because it’s fun,” she said. “We don’t get this music and such festivities where I live in Missouri.”

The mother of two comes back for festival as often as she can, she said. Three years ago, she decided to join “Limping Jack” in his cultural displays.

On Monday, she pushed around a cart with a metal basin and a wooden washboard in it.

“We didn’t have washers and dryers. It was the bathing pan and the board. Some people use grease or their hands to scrub clothes,” she reminisced. “I try to tell my children these stories, but they think it’s funny.”

See August 11, 2016 edition for full coverage.

{fcomment}