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by pltm
“One of the best we’ve seen in years,” was a comment from a Virgin Gordian who stood on the sidelines, observing this year’s grand parade for the 50th anniversary of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival.
Over 17 troupes took to the main road in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda earlier today, April 17, all celebrating the festival and it’s milestone. They showcased vibrant ensembles and commendable dance routines.
Apart from the troupes, festival royalty of various shows across the British and United States Virgin Islands were on parade, in full regalia.
The parade also saw participation by troupes of expats living in Virgin Gorda, which included persons from the Philippines and Dominica, to name a few.
(PLTM) - Troupes from the neighboring United States Virgin Islands also showed up and showed off.
The winning troupe for this year’s parade is still to be announced.
The grand parade officially ends the weekend packed celebrations, and this year’s observation of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival’s 50th anniversary.
Earlier today, many shared the streets in dancing and much fun, as part of the festival’s Rise and Shine Tramp. Music was provided by local band, OMG.
The weekend also saw the crowning of Reynold "King Paido" Phillip as the 2017 Calypso Monarch on April 16, at the Bernice Sprauve Festiville. He sang, "Who Is Paying Attention" and "Happy Fifty Years".
First runner-up went to last year's Calypso King, Chico B; second runner-up, Sistah Joyce; third runner-up, Teacher Akua; and fourth runner-up, Lady Liberty.
The other participants were Falco and Ranking Ijah.
The competition was immediately followed with a concert that was headlined by the self-proclaimed soca queen, Destra Garcia of Trinidad and Tobago.
The day before, April 15, the festival launched its weekend with a cultural food fair, and later that evening a concert, which was headlined by Jamaican reggae superstar, Jah Cure.
