SAUGER TIES- Cantine Field transformed into a vibrant Caribbean paradise on Saturday as thousands flocked to the Hudson Valley Caribbean Carnival.
Organizers of the carnival, which is in its fifth year, say the event honors freedom, honor and mutual respect. “That’s why the 2018 Caribbean Carnival was created to really pay tribute to people of West Indian descent and to give voice to the voices that go unheard. There is a large Caribbean community in the Hudson Valley, and most of us have never really had the opportunity to shine,” said carnival organizer Tamika Dunkle.
Vendors from across the region had chicken sizzling on large grills, smelling of sweet and spicy marinade. “We all have very different ideas about how we prepare chicken or rice and beans or the foods and flavors. But they all have the same root, and that root is obviously Mother Africa,” said Dunkle.
The annual celebration showcased the rich diversity of Caribbean culture with live music, delicious cuisine, captivating performances and a lively parade that brought the community together. “We have people from St. Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, you name it, we have it,” said Tamika Dunkley.
In addition to entertainment, the festival also provided a platform for education and awareness about the diverse cultures of the Caribbean. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the history, traditions and challenges of Caribbean communities. “The first slave revolt took place in Haiti, so there is so much rich history there that really reinforces the resistance, the path to freedom and all the beautiful facets of the people,” said Dunkley.
In Caribbean culture, festivals are important celebrations that reflect the region’s history and cultural diversity. “It’s really about a unification, a celebration of people to celebrate their culture,” Dunkley said.
