Chairman of the Culturama Committee Antonio Liburd
The excitement for Nevis Culturama 50 is building as the first wave of official activities was unveiled during a media launch on Thursday, January 25, at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park in Charlestown. The milestone celebration will honor 50 years of culture, creativity, and community spirit, alongside special Homecoming festivities.
Launching the Road to Culturama 50
Chairman of the Culturama Committee, Antonio “Abonaty” Liburd, shared that preparations for the golden anniversary began well in advance. He noted that the January 25 announcement was intentionally timed to mark six months until the opening of Culturama 50.
Mr. Liburd emphasized that the “On the Road to Culturama 50 Experience” will be filled with excitement and meaningful moments. He clarified that the revealed activities represent only the first phase of the calendar.
- The second wave of activities, including privately organized fringe events, is scheduled for release on February 25.
- A third wave will follow, featuring calypso tents, Action Corner events, and additional promotional activities.
Highlights of the First Activity Wave
The initial schedule includes major cultural performances, pageants, and community gatherings. Key activities announced include:
- April 12: Official launch of Culturama 50 and reveal of senior pageant contestants at the Charlestown waterfront
- July 14: Fashion show at the David Freeman Center of Excellence
- July 20: Opening of the Cultural Village and Soca Monarch semifinals
- July 25: Official opening of Culturama 50 at the Cultural Complex
- July 26: Golden Jubilee Awards ceremony at Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park
- July 28: Miss Culture Swimwear and Mr. Kool Contest at the Cultural Complex
The festivities continue into early August, offering a packed lineup designed to celebrate Nevisian culture.
August Events
- August 1: Soca Monarch Contest at the Cultural Village
- August 2: Senior Calypso Finals at the Cultural Complex
- August 3: Culturama Art, Craft and Cultural Food Fair at MGR Park, and Culturama 50 Emancipation Concert at the Cultural Village
- August 4: Miss Culture Queen Pageant at the Cultural Complex
- August 5: Emancipation J’ouvert Jump Up in Charlestown
- August 6: Culturama Street Parade and Last Lap
Competitions and Participant Updates
Mr. Liburd confirmed that six contestants have been selected for both the Miss Culture Queen Pageant and the Miss Culture Swimwear Competition. However, the committee is still accepting applications for two additional Mr. Kool contestants.
Registration also remains open for several competitions:
- Junior and Senior Kaiso
- Soca Monarch
- Mr. and Ms. Talented Youth Pageant
- Road March
- Panorama Contest
Interested participants are encouraged to download application forms from the official website, or visit the relocated Culturama Secretariat at the Philip St. Jean Building in Ramsbury, near the Maude Crosse Preparatory School.
Preparations and Community Engagement
To enhance the festival experience, the Cultural Complex and Cultural Village will undergo renovations beginning in February. These upgrades aim to improve comfort, accessibility, and the overall atmosphere for patrons.
The media launch was chaired by Pheon Jones, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Nevis Tourism Authority. Attendees included Culturama Committee members, sponsors, reigning pageant winners, and media representatives from both Nevis and St. Kitts.
Also present were several government officials, including Deputy Premier and Minister of Culture Eric Evelyn, Permanent Secretary in Finance Colin Dore, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism John Hanley.
With the first wave of activities now revealed, anticipation continues to grow as Nevis prepares for an unforgettable Culturama 50 celebration.