Jubilation with education in Seville

The Emancipation Jubilee in Seville, St Ann, on Tuesday night was a showcase of Jamaican history through dance, music and theatre. Dinkie Minie, Bruckins, Junkanoo and even the Gully Creeper and Fling Yuh Shoulder dance moves opened the concert stage.

Introduced by hostess Dr Amina Blackwood-Meeks as the best Dinkie Minie troupe in the world, the Islington Culture Group was among the first to take the stage. The Charles Town Maroons, led by Mama G, brought out their vitalising drumming, which yanked people onto their feet to join in the traditional accompanying dance. "The first time this dance was performed in Jamaica was after Tacky died," the accomplished storyteller advised.

The bulk of the Emancipation Jubilee audience was on the front lawns of the Seville Great House. Many chairs were provided yet patrons spilled over, using extra chairs to the side. Some lay on blankets and others huddled before the historic building's front steps.

Other patrons busied themselves in the Food Village. Their options included ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken and pork, roasted sweet potatoes, yam, breadfruit and a sensational chocolate tea station that is rarely experienced.

History lessons

People from all over the island came out to learn about their culture and the history that they didn't know much about previously. With their hair wrapped in turbans and some in bandanas, people sang and danced to the beats and songs. Children also enjoyed the moment, as the beats rippled through the crowd and gave people no other choice but to rock.

One woman said she was enjoying the concert very much and was really happy that she returned, after attending only in 2009. The event, which has been taking place from 1997, has improved over the years Patrice, who has been attending the jubilee since 2008, said she is happy because it is very educational. "I am looking forward to many years. This is something that more young people should attend," she said.