Amitabh Sharma | Grand Market – fuzzy, warm, on a crescendo
Grand Market – the mention of it brings fond memories for many. It is the time of the year when festivities are in the air, the breeze is cool ... and, of course, it’s the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. Yes, we’re at the cusp of officially being in that mode ... but that’s a later conversation.
There was much excitement, people making a beeline on a narrow makeshift road, surrounded by greenery, in Waterford, St Michael. The literal and figurative off the beaten path came alive as an open field was converted, replete with tents, canopies and tall makeshift structures, to house the Grand Market at CARIFESTA XV, held in Barbados.
The market, converging modernity with tradition, the organisers said, was a testimonial of “Caribbean ingenuity and sustainable spirit”. From whiffs of aromas emitting from the food stalls to the beats of the drums and impromptu dances in the space, liveliness was all over the place. The Grand Market brought under one roof a heady compendium of the arts – performing, culinary, fine, literary, and more; a fashion show here, a literary workshop there; musicians, dancers, and singers taking centre-stage, and of course, people milling around.
VIBRANCY
From the periphery, the venue may have, for some, looked erratic, but for us – citizens of the global south – that is vibrancy, for in any proverbial chaos, we find just that.
“I like the concept of housing everything under one roof,” said Shamkoe Pilé, a communications professional who came with her daughters. “We could shop, eat, lyme, and enjoy performances all in one trip.”
People from Caribbean nations converged on the Grand Market, each showcasing their crafts and skills.
Shantal Munro-Knight, the minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for culture, in Barbados, in an official communiqué, described CARIFESTA and the Grand Market as being built on three transformative pillars:
• Where we have come from: Honouring our heritage
• Where we are: Celebrating Caribbean excellence
• Where we are going: Building a sustainable and resilient future
The third pillar, focusing on sustainability and resilience, according to Munro-Knight, took centre stage at the Grand Market’s eco-conscious showcase.
“Here, visitors encounter a vibrant array of goods crafted from natural and upcycled materials, proof that Caribbean creativity is not only rooted in history but also boldly shaping the future,” she said.
“This is where tradition meets innovation,” she added. “We’re exploring how Caribbean culture can adapt to global challenges, climate action, economic sustainability, and social progress while preserving the soul of our heritage.”
Robert Campbell, Peter Peart, and Alphonso Blake were among the Jamaican fine artists at the Grand Market, interacting with the visitors, explaining the inspirations of their artistic styles. Some of their artwork found patrons who purchased their pieces.
“There was some innovation from one of the Jamaican artists I saw,” remarked Pilé, checking out a light switch cover painted by Peart. “He is taking art to another level ... . I like that touch of innovation, and this is the first I ever saw it.” One of his art pieces has found a place in her home. For Pilé, the Grand Market was where she could be a kid in a candy shop, checking out the unique handmade items.
A HIT
Campbell, meanwhile, was whipping up more than creative juices. He was switching between swishing paintbrushes to stirring the pot – his stew chicken and rice and peas were a hit.
“Di soup did popular,” he remarked, adjusting the net cap, holding a ladle as he sprinkled spices and seasoning in a bubbling pot.
“Mi a go jerk tomarro,” Campbell said – he was cooking up a storm.
Elsewhere, doubles were being served with pepper sauce or crispy fish and chips frying ... a curry heaven, shall we say? (Curry, in this instance, the mixed spice ... each ingredient bringing its unique colour and taste to the party).
Back in the main square, under a coloured canopy stretched across and on the mainstage, people were swaying to the beats of nyabinghi drums.
Pilé and her daughters, clutching their goodies, were immersed in the performances and learning a thing or two. “Mummy,” her 10-year-old remarked.”I didn’t know there is a country called Cayman Islands.”
They returned subsequently and soaked in culture. “While the performances were enjoyable, they were also educational,” Pilé said. For her, the high point was when her daughters got to see the Vincentian (St Vincent and the Grenadines) performances. “They were really happy to see a bit of their grandparents’ country,” she remarked.
Others, we are sure, were soaking up and sharing the same experiences.
The rain gods also graced the occasion, a shower or two cooling down the place and giving relief from the humidity. Bimshire was being soaked with creativity and showers of blessings, and the Grand Market was hitting a high note.
Amitabh Sharma is the opinion editor and editor of Arts and Education. Send feedback to amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com.