Braata Productions, in collaboration with Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers and Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, announces The Grand Christmas Market: A Caribbean Celebration to be held on Saturday, December 10 at Merrick Academy Charter School, 136-25 218th Street. Queens at 5:30 PM with a concert at 7:00 PM Sunday, December 11 at Harry S. Truman High School, 750 Baychester Avenue, Bronx at 4:30 PM with a concert at 6:00 PM and Saturday , December 17, 2022 at Medgar Evers College; 1650 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, at 4:30pm with a concert at 6pm. Come join the festivities and enjoy the exciting atmosphere, music, dancing and lively company. Tickets are $20 for children and seniors, $25 for adults in advance and $30 for adults at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/ym2ur46s.
This holiday season marks the first year that Braata will host three markets, in three different municipalities. After opening a market in Queens in 2013, they added a market in Brooklyn in 2017 and one in the Bronx in 2019. The Grand Market is a long-standing tradition in Jamaica that takes place after the usual Christmas morning service or on Christmas Eve. Christmas. The whole community will be in their numbers taking part in a variety of games and competitions for all ages. Lots of gifts, including lots of toys, will be sold from brightly decorated stalls, there’s plenty of food and drink and the whole family will have a great time all day.
“As the only organization bringing Caribbean cultural experiences like this to New Yorkers, we’re thrilled to be adding a third borough to reach even more people this winter,” said Andrew Clarke, Founder & Executive Driector, Braata Productions. “We are expanding this Jamaican tradition to include other Caribbean islands. This year is the 60th anniversary of independence for Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, so the events will particularly highlight the cultures of those countries.”
Come check out the vendors, the museum exhibit, and then enjoy a festive concert. Organized by Dahlia Harris, the markets will all feature performances from Jodian Pantry (Jamaica), Denise Belfon (Trinidad & Tobago), Braata Folk Singers, Jonkanoo Parade and many more.
The Great Christmas Market is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. This program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the New City Council, Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers and Assemblyman Brian Cunningham.
