Capacity audience at the Cultural Complex
Nevis officially brought the curtain down on the 50th Anniversary of Culturama and Homecoming Celebrations on Tuesday, August 6, marking the end of a historic and widely celebrated festival season. According to cultural leaders and government officials, Culturama 50 exceeded expectations and will be remembered as one of the most successful editions in the festival’s history.
The milestone celebration showcased Nevisian culture at its finest, drawing large crowds, welcoming thousands of returning nationals and visitors, and delivering a full schedule of events that unfolded smoothly from start to finish.
Minister of Culture Declares Culturama 50 a Major Success
Minister of Culture in the Nevis Island Administration and Deputy Premier, the Honourable Eric Evelyn, praised the overall execution and impact of the festival. He noted that every aspect of Culturama 50 reflected careful planning, strong participation, and enthusiastic public support.
The Minister expressed pride in the quality of the shows and the increased level of participation seen throughout the season. Attendance was strong across all events, with large crowds turning out to enjoy cultural performances, competitions, and street activities.
He highlighted that patrons were pleased with the overall standard of the productions and that the festival maintained a high level of organization throughout its duration.
Strong Performances and Seamless Street Activities
In reflecting on the festival’s success, Minister Evelyn emphasized the smooth execution of both staged events and street activities. From the early morning excitement of J’ouvert to the colorful Grand Parade and the celebratory Last Lap, activities unfolded without major disruptions.
Key Highlights of Culturama 50
- Increased participation in cultural shows and competitions
- Bumper crowds at major events
- Smooth execution of street activities
- Strong public satisfaction with event quality
According to the Minister, attendees across the island expressed happiness with the festival’s output, reinforcing the view that Culturama 50 delivered a memorable and meaningful cultural experience.
Appreciation for Organizers, Participants, and Sponsors
Minister Evelyn extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the festival. This included residents, returning nationals, revelers, sponsors, and volunteers who played a role in bringing the celebration to life.
Special commendation was given to the Culturama Committee, led by Chairman Antonio “Abonaty” Liburd, for their leadership and dedication. The committee was praised for delivering a well-coordinated festival that honored Nevisian heritage while meeting the expectations of a milestone anniversary.
Premier Praises Community Support and Global Participation
Premier of Nevis and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, the Honourable Mark Brantley, also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown throughout the season. He noted that Culturama 50 was not only a cultural success but also a powerful demonstration of national pride and unity.
The Premier thanked the thousands of nationals who returned home for the celebrations, as well as visitors from St. Kitts, the wider Caribbean, and other parts of the world. He emphasized that the strong turnout contributed significantly to the vibrant atmosphere and overall success of the festival.
He described the conclusion of Culturama 50 as the end of an exceptional season and expressed sincere appreciation to all who helped make it memorable.
Incident-Free Celebrations Highlight Public Responsibility
One of the most notable achievements of Culturama 50 was the absence of major incidents or accidents during the celebrations. Premier Brantley commended citizens, residents, visitors, and law enforcement officials for maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
He pointed out that thousands of people gathered at events and on public roads throughout the season without serious issues, calling it a clear sign of responsible behavior and effective coordination.
Factors Contributing to a Safe Festival
- Strong cooperation between the public and law enforcement
- Responsible behavior by revelers and attendees
- Effective event management and planning
The Premier described the incident-free celebrations as one of the strongest measures of the festival’s success.
Positive Economic Impact for Nevis
While a full economic assessment is still underway, early indications suggest that Culturama 50 provided a welcome boost to the local economy. Visitor spending, increased local consumption, and heightened business activity contributed to a positive financial impact across the island.
With hotels, restaurants, vendors, and service providers benefiting from the influx of visitors, Culturama 50 reinforced the festival’s importance not only as a cultural showcase but also as a key driver of economic activity.
As Nevis reflects on this landmark celebration, Culturama 50 stands as a powerful example of cultural pride, community cooperation, and successful event execution, setting a strong foundation for future editions of the festival.