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The Festival of Colours is a popular Hindu festival, also known as Holi or the Festival of Love. It is celebrated all over India and Nepal. It is usually observed in the spring and signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter. Holi will fall on 8 …
The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is an annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. This two-day extravaganza, held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, is a celebration of music, dance, costumes, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Origins …
Day of the dead is a popular Mexican holiday celebrated to commemorate the dead. Mexico’s Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a festive occasion that honours and celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones. Depending on the locality, the holiday spans several days, from 31 October to 2 November and is …
The Samhain festival (pronounced ‘sow’inn’) is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It has traditionally been observed across Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. It is believed that Samhain has Celtic pagan origins and has been an important date since ancient times. This date marks …
Halloween is a beloved holiday celebrated around the world on 31 October. It is a time filled with spooky costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and trick-or-treating. But have you ever wondered how these traditions came to be? The history of Halloween is rich and fascinating, with roots that trace back thousands of years. Ancient origins of Halloween The …
The making of the Rastafari movement can be seen in two parts: restoring the dignity of black people that slavery and colonisation had stripped from them and setting them on a spiritual path that was not dictated by the white church. Whilst Marcus Garvey focused on the former as a Catholic, he was unable to …
What is Notting Hill Carnival? Notting Hill Carnival is a 3-day annual event that takes place on the streets of Notting Hill during late August bank holiday weekend. It’s a huge tourist attraction and an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy music, parades, food and other aspects of black culture. The carnival follows …
Black British and African Americans may share a common ancestry, but their cultural experiences and perspectives are shaped by different historical, social, and political factors. Let’s look at what it means to be Black in Britain and Black in America. Defining Black British and African American Black British refers to people of African and Caribbean descent who were …
Grenada, known as the “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, boasts a vibrant cultural tapestry that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Among the numerous cultural celebrations, the Jab Jab tradition stands out as a powerful and mesmerising aspect of Grenadian culture. This unique cultural phenomenon plays a vital role in preserving Grenada’s heritage and significantly …
In the culturally rich Caribbean islands, fascinating dancers on stilts are often seen at carnivals and festivals. These extraordinary figures, called Moko Jumbi or Mocko Jumbie, are captivating stilts, walkers or dancers who have become an integral part of festivals and celebrations throughout the region. But who are these enigmatic characters, and what is the …
Junkanoo, a lively festival celebrated in the Caribbean, is a vibrant display of music, dance, and costumes. It has a rich history dating back to the era of slavery and has deep cultural significance in countries like Jamaica and the Bahamas. Origins of Junkanoo Junkanoo is believed to have originated during slavery in the Caribbean. …
Ackee and Saltfish is the National Dish of Jamaica but neither ingredient is of Jamaican origin. Ackee Ackee is derived from the original name Ankye that comes from the Twi language of Ghana. Its botanical name, Blighia sapida, was given in honour of Captain William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame. Captain Bligh brought …
For most children, Easter is a time when they get to eat a lot of chocolate without being told off. For some adults, it’s a nice long weekend away from work. As a Jamaican, my family have long upheld a lot of practices that I now think are traditional more than Christian doctrine. The fact …
Kwanzaa begins on 26 December and lasts for seven days. It is a celebration of community, family and culture, established to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage. The celebration was created in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Africana Studies at California State University, in the wake of …
