The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority says the celebration of the country’s 45th anniversary of independence on Oct. 27 will undergo “an exciting transformation”, with the military parade taking place at night for the first time.
The authority said the change will bring “a new level of creativity, modernity, and excitement to this beloved national tradition”.
The event begins with a vibrant kid and family-friendly pre-show at 4 p.m., with the parade at 6 p.m., “offering a stunning showcase of national pride, cultural heritage, and modern artistry”.
The authority said the move to a night-time celebration allows for the incorporation of “dynamic, cutting-edge elements”, such as light shows, projection mapping, a concert, fireworks, and multimedia displays.
“These features will highlight St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ progress and achievements over the past 45 years while reimagining how we celebrate this monumental occasion.”
In addition to the military display, cultural performances will be featured, including traditional dancers and steelpan orchestras, “representing the seamless blend of our rich cultural traditions with modern creativity.,” the authority said.
Minister of Culture and Chair of the Independence Committee, Carlos James, emphasised the significance of this new direction for the parade.
“As we celebrate our 45th year of independence, it is important that we continue to evolve while honouring our rich cultural heritage,” the minister said.
“This year’s night parade will not only showcase our history but also our nation’s forward-thinking spirit and creative talent. By moving the parade to the evening, we are able to introduce a spectacular visual and artistic experience that will engage and inspire all generations of Vincentians,” the minister further said.
“We are truly excited for what this new format will bring, and we look forward to sharing this monumental event with the nation.”
The parade will conclude with a grand fireworks display, lighting up the night sky in the colours of the national flag and creating an unforgettable finale, the tourism authority said.
James called on service providers to ensure the availability of vans and buses, making it easier for people to attend the historic parade event.
He emphasised the importance of transportation in ensuring that all Vincentians can participate in the events.
“As we approach this significant milestone in our nation’s history, this year’s Independence Day Parade promises to be a spectacular celebration of our past, present, and future. We invite everyone to join us for this ground-breaking night-time event, where the pride and progress of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will shine brighter than ever,” the tourism authority said.
Here we see the ULP plant who got his seat by one single vote giving the ULP a majority in parliament. We are going backward when we tolerate this type of corruption. We are going backward when we give politicians free reigns to fill their pockets and lie to us.
What is the reason for it being in the night? Please let the people know. and we want to know the country debt as an independent country. Please please please tell us.
I hope Shallow puts this man in his place. No money to pay police for overtime but you lighting up the town for night parade. Who’s benefitting?
Really? Look how Vincentains partying demselves into dismal poverty at d order of dis regime and no body to say enough is enough.
Dey have taken away our dignity and ambition for light shows, projection mapping, concert, fireworks, and multimedia display to name a few.
Am so sudden for our youths, dey damaged d minds of d elderly wid poor relief, zero hunger package, now dey targeting d young minds. These ppl will stop at nothing taxpayers money at large.
I would encourage Minister James to think about the fact that holding this event at night will make it harder for those from the Grenadines to participate, something that any availability of vans and buses won’t mitigate. I wonder what he’s done or is doing to provide Grenadines residents with the transportation and accommodation they’ll need to join him for this event.
That money should be used to help the grenadines people to rebuild their homes. ULP is about glitz and glamor while the people suffer.
hope ar yo ha real money fo share away this time around , still sorry about the situation where the elderly lady heard about money sharing out and fell over the embarkment and sadly died,. May her soul be continue to RIEP.
The first ever night independence parade was held on October twenty seventh 1979