The Tobago Heritage Festival officially returns to the island from July 22 to August 1, 2022.
Under the theme “Reflect, Rebirth, Rejoice – Rekindling the Flames of Our Heritage”, the Festival promises to be a celebration of Tobago’s tapestry and cultural heritage through folklore, song and dance, craft creations and theatrical presentations.
TThe 2022 festival will consist of eleven main events and activities produced by the Tobago Festivals Commission, in collaboration with the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transport, the Tobago Performing Arts Company, the Shaw Park Complex and the various host villages.
These include the ongoing Junior Heritage Festival, Opening Night Gala, Plymouth J’ouvert, Lady Tobago Heritage Personality, Charlotteville Natural Treasures Day, Pembroke Salaka Festival, Les Coteaux ‘Folk Tales and Superstitions’, Heritage Calypso Monarch, Moriah Time Weddinggo’, and the grand celebration of Emancipation Day to close the Festival.
The commission has also added ‘Northside Passion’ to this year’s list of events. This combined event will take place in Castara Bay on July 24 and is a showcase of talent from the villages of Castara, Parlatuvier, Bloody Bay and L’Anse Fourmi.
Additionally, following the successful theatrical debut of Dr Efebo’s ‘Bitter Cassava’, the Tobago Performing Arts Company will once again showcase its expertise and appreciation for the island’s cultural traditions through the Opening Night Festival production of titled ‘Treasures of the Tree: A Heritage Case.’
This cultural exhibition will be held at the Shaw Park Complex on July 22, 2022, from 20:00 and will present a powerful story of discovery, cultural resonance and ancestral messages. Tickets for this gala are $100.00 for adults and $50.00 for children and are available at the Scarborough Commission Office, Pablo – Argyle Supermarket, Shaw Park Complex and at the box office on the day of the event.
The Shaw Park Complex will also host Lady Tobago’s Heritage Personality on July 23 and Heritage Calypso Monarch on July 29, 2022. Both shows will start at 8:00 p.m. While the Lady Tobago Heritage Personality Show is $100.00 for adults and $50.00 for children, the Heritage Calypso Monarch Show is free.
The appearance of rhythms and traditions in Pembroke Salaka and Les Coteaux Festival “Folk Tales and Superstitions” make their allure irresistible. Patrons can expect an authentic educational experience at these two signature events scheduled for July 27 at Pembroke Heritage Park and July 28 at Tablepiece Recreational Grounds at 8:00 pm.
Other events inside this Festival that must be experienced, include Plymouth J’ouvert at 4:00 a.m. on July 23, Charlotteville Natural Treasures Day at 9:30 a.m. on July 25 and Moriah ‘Tobago Ole Time Wedding’ on July 30 at 1:30 p.m. Patrons can immerse themselves in the village tour, cocoa dance, brush back and other traditions.
Finally, the curtains on the 2022 Tobago Heritage Festival will close on August 1 with the Junior Heritage Queen Competition and a grand Emancipation Day celebration. The day’s activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Store Bay beach facility.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tobagofestivals
