News Americas, New York, NY, December 6, 2024: The sights, sounds and tastes of the Caribbean will light up New York City this weekend as Braata Productions hosts its 12th annual Grand Christmas Market. This beloved celebration of Caribbean heritage and Christmas traditions promises two days of vibrant cultural experiences, from arts and crafts to traditional food, music and live performances.
The Grand Market will take place on Saturday, December 7, at Merrick Academy Charter School in Springfield Gardens, Queens, and on Sunday, December 8, at Harry S. Truman High School in the Bronx. Both events combine a lively market with a dynamic concert, offering attendees an immersive experience.
Celebrating Caribbean milestones
This year’s big market honors the independence anniversaries of four Caribbean islands: Haiti, (220 years), Saint Lucia, (45 years), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, (45 years) and Grenada, (50 years). Andrew Clarke, the Jamaican director of Braata Productions, emphasized the importance of honoring these moments through art and tradition.
“The Grand Market is a long-standing Christmas tradition in Jamaica, and we’ve expanded it to include traditions from across the Caribbean,” said Clarke. “This year, we focus on the rich traditions and artistic expressions of these islands as they celebrate their histories.”
What to expect
Attendees can enjoy over 15 food and craft vendors, a Caribbean Christmas exhibit featuring historical artifacts and festive treats, family portraits, Junkanoo parades and a full six-act concert. Highlights include singing, saxophone music, dancing and a live DJ, all aimed at promoting celebration and cultural education.
“Our pop-up Caribbean Christmas show will spark excitement in children as they interact with vintage artifacts such as discontinued coins, traditional irons and holiday dessert displays such as black cake and cream punch,” said Clarke.
The event also creates a bridge between Caribbean-born elders and New York City-born youth, fostering connections through shared cultural experiences. “Our audiences consistently say that Grand Market reminds them of their roots and childhood memories in the Caribbean,” added Clarke.
Event details
- December 7: Merrick Academy Charter School, Springfield Gardens, Queens (Market opens at 5:30 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m.)
- December 8: Harry S. Truman High School, Bronx (Market opens at 4:30 p.m.; concert at 6 p.m.)
Tickets are available online at discounted prices HERE
Braata Productions, a non-profit organization, receives support from various cultural and philanthropic entities, ensuring that events like the Grand Christmas Market continue to bring Caribbean traditions to life in New York City.
