A One News SVG/Demion McTair aerial photograph of a cross-section of the audience at the August 2023 One Love Concert at Victoria Park, Kimgatown, St. Vincent.
By Admin. Updated 11:04 a.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Today (October 27) is Independence Day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and the annual military daytime parade to mark the event will now be held in the night.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture, the parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Victoria Park.
It is the first time in the country’s 45 years of independence celebrations that the parade will be held after dark.
“In celebration of the 45th anniversary of our nation’s independence, the Independence Day Parade will undergo an exciting transformation this year. For the first time in our history, the parade will take place at night, bringing a new level of creativity, modernity, and excitement to this beloved national tradition,” the Ministry of Culture said in a press release.
The ministry said the night parade “promises to be a breathtaking display of national pride, innovation, and cultural heritage”.
“The move to a night-time celebration allows for the incorporation of dynamic, cutting-edge elements, such as light shows, projection mapping, a concert, fireworks, and multimedia displays. These features will highlight St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ progress and achievements over the past 45 years while reimagining how we celebrate this monumental occasion,” the ministry said.
“In addition to the military display, with illuminated formations and precision marching bands outfitted in lighted instruments and uniforms, cultural performances will be featured. Traditional dancers, steelpan orchestras, and masqueraders will don glowing costumes, representing the seamless blend of our rich cultural traditions with modern creativity. The street lighting along the Kingstown parade route will be augmented with festive lighting, creating an immersive and celebratory atmosphere,” the ministry said.
Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture, and Chair of the Independence Committee, emphasized the significance of this new direction for the parade:
“As we celebrate our 45th year of independence, it is important that we continue to evolve while honoring our rich cultural heritage. This year’s night parade will not only showcase our history but also our nation’s forward-thinking spirit and creative talent. By moving the parade to the evening, we are able to introduce a spectacular visual and artistic experience that will engage and inspire all generations of Vincentians. We are truly excited for what this new format will bring, and we look forward to sharing this monumental event with the nation.”
Key features of the parade include Military displays that will feature illuminated formations, with marching bands and officers outfitted in lighted uniforms and instruments, adding a unique visual spectacle; Cultural performances that will include traditional dancers, steelpan orchestras, and masqueraders in glowing costumes, blending Vincentian traditions with modern creativity; Synchronized pyrotechnics and light shows that will enhance key moments throughout the parade, providing continuous visual excitement, and a grand fireworks display, lighting up the night sky in the colors of the national flag and creating an unforgettable finale.