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St Patrick’s Day The first European settlers in Montserrat were Irish, and so St. Patrick's Day is still celebrated here for the commemoration of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. March 17 is also notable in Montserrat as the day on which the island’s slaves staged a revolt and marched on Government House. Celebrations take place throughout the island, highlighted by performances and musical concerts. The music along with masquerades creates a festive spirit. The Irish influence is evident in the music and in the wearing of green and the use of the shamrock as an emblem.
Queen’s Birthday This is the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, normally celebrated on the second Saturday in June, in Montserrat, as it is in Britain. From 7:30 in the morning, locals (and visitors) start gathering in the park for the parade of all uniformed bodies on the island. His Excellency the Governor, who is the Queen’s representative on the island, takes the salute as the various uniformed groups march past. During the parade the British ‘Union Jack’ flag as well as the personal flag of Her Majesty the Queen, the ‘Royal Standard’, are both raised and lowered with ceremony.
August Monday August Monday is a day of real festivity, celebrating the emancipation of the slaves and the abolition of slavery by the British in 1834. The entire weekend is filled with picnics and barbecues on the beach, local fêtes and sporting competitions. The Saturday before the August Monday, the morning starts off with the Cudjoe Head Day celebrations, which opens with a big breakfast and continues late into the night. On the Monday, the St. Peter’s Anglican Bazaar takes place at the village rectory grounds, and is generally one of the highlights of the weekend, an attraction for the entire family. |
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Tourism Week With the reduction of volcanic activity on Montserrat the Montserrat Tourist Board continues to encourage visitors to come and partake in what the Island has to offer, and to participate in the cultural activities, to enjoy the wonders of nature. Tourism Week has become one of the major educational thrusts which helps to remind nationals of the importance of striving to continually retain the reputation as "the warmest gem in the Caribbean" and to generally raise the level of awareness of the endeavours in the area of tourism. A variety of innovative activities are usually planned which display the unique creative potential of the people and love for the culture. One can enjoy a varieties of music and other cultural expression such as dance, handiwork and craft, and food. For further information please contact: The Montserrat Tourist Board, Tel: (664) 491-2230/8730.
Christmas Festival Celebrations This is the time of year set aside, not only for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ, but also for carnivalesque merrymaking and a general atmosphere of goodwill. Families abroad reunite with loved ones at home to enjoy the festivities. The festival generally begins in the mid-December and continues into the New Year. There are several shows and musicals programs and religious concerts that take place.
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