The sight, odor, style, sounds and colours of the Caribbean have been on full show on Sept. 16 throughout Worldwide Day 2023 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rosedale, Queens.
Nationals from a number of Caribbean islands and territories decked out of their nationwide colours, cooked and served native dishes, and performed and danced to hypnotic Caribbean music as a part of the church’s Homecoming festivities.
The parish, positioned in Southeast Queens, includes members from varied communities, together with nationals from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Panama, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Aruba, Barbados and the US of America.
And so, members ensured that they exhibited their respective cultures on the fun-filled day.
New York Metropolis Public Advocate Jumaane Williams additionally attended the spectacular occasion, expressing enthusiasm and applauding organizers for the cultural shows.
He additionally disclosed that he will likely be in Grenada subsequent 12 months for the “Spice Isle’s” 50th Independence Anniversary.
Amongst a number of dishes, the Grenadian sales space served the finger-licking nationwide dish, “Oil-down”, amongst different delicacies.
Trinidadian served roti; Vincentians supplied breadfruit and saltfish, together with Black Fish and floor provisions; and People whetted one’s urge for food with collared-greens and fried rooster.
Within the interim, members danced and waved their nationwide colours to people, soca, reggae and different Caribbean vibes.
Jamaicans took to the stage, singing and dancing to Harry Belafonte’s “Day O” and “O, Islands within the Solar”; Vincentians danced and waved to Winston Soso’s “Massive Backside,” with Delano “Detta” Joseph main the ensemble; Guyanese danced to people music; Haitian Maryse Cadet sang “Haiti Cheri,” with five-year-old Zane Trotman in tow; Judy Alloko, of Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), belched out “Calm Down” by Rema; and Barbadians displayed their nationwide delight.
Pan Massie Metal Orchestra beat out Caribbean rhythms after which nationals shaped a Congo Line, as a DJ performed “Soca Prepare,” amongst different Caribbean hits.
“It was very thrilling,” Barbara McDowall, who headed the Vincentian sales space, informed Caribbean Life after her workforce’s efficiency. “I feel we actually have been on the high with the efficiency.”
The Very Rev. Steve L. Foster, VI Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rosedale, stated the celebration is “borrowing from welcoming alums and residents again to their alma mater to share in sports activities and cultural occasions that remember the spirit and camaraderie of the establishment.
“Homecoming has come to be a celebration the place parishioners, new members, family and friends return from summer time break, renewed and energized to take up the mantle of constant the work and ministry of the church, striving to proceed constructing the dominion of God,” he added.
However Fr. Foster stated there’s “a twist at St. Peter’s,” stating that connecting Worldwide Day with Homecoming “permits parishioners and associates to show their cultural heritage, resembling culinary delights and the humanities.
“For a lot of, it could be a visit down reminiscence lane,” he stated. “For the youth, it could function an introduction to the cultural expressions from throughout varied nations.”
Fr. Foster stated this 12 months’s celebration was “a becoming re-gathering within the post-pandemic world.
“It allowed for creativity and resilience whereas highlighting unity in range,” he stated. “I fervently pray that this Worldwide Day/Homecoming Celebration continues to supply a kaleidoscope of shade, delicacies and tradition, but it surely displays the Kingdom of God amid our neighborhoods.”
Rookwood stated the celebration is “a biennial pageant of many nations of the African Diaspora,” noting that this 12 months’s was “an explosion of shade, music, meals and dancing.”
He stated a spotlight of the pageant was the flag parade, stating that St. Peter’s Sunday Faculty and Youth Group members marched across the churchyard with giant “fluttering” flags and offered them to dignitaries from the represented nations.
“Dignitaries spoke about their connection to their stunning nation earlier than delivering their flags to the nation’s sales space,” Rookwood stated. “Every nation had a adorned sales space exhibiting the historical past and artifacts of the nation. Guests loved dancing and waving their flags effectively previous sunset, because of the spirited DJ. St. Peter’s Rosedale appears ahead to seeing everybody once more in 2025 on the subsequent Homecoming Worldwide Day.”
Pearl Paul, a youth of St. Peter’s, stated: “To me, a global honest represents a celebration of worldwide range and tradition coming collectively in a single place. It’s a vibrant tapestry of countries showcasing their distinctive traditions, cuisines, and improvements. “
“Witnessing this range is a profound reminder of our interconnected world and the richness it affords,” she stated. “It fills me with a way of awe and appreciation for the sweetness that emerges when folks from totally different backgrounds unite in a spirit of collaboration and change.”
Sunday Faculty Director Ms. Powell [first name not given] stated that St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Worldwide Day “exhibits that though we characterize totally different nations, we stand united in our efforts of Christian unity, discipleship and mission to make sure that our group advantages from our various congregation.”
Fr. Foster stated St. Peter’s attain and welcome “lengthen to the beloved of God.
“Since its founding in 1907, St. Peter’s continues to be a lighthouse of religion, hope and love,” he stated.
