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Exactly. So, once a year from the 1st to the 6th of August, the country should cease all but emergency (NOT 'essential') services & host a series of cultural events. https://twitter.com/Nationwideradio/status/1337093694462324739
Day 1: Jonkunu parades- line the streets with vendors preparing authentic Jamaican foods from breakfast, lunch, dinner to snacks & beverages. End the day with a storytelling show that talks about our local folklore, myths & ancestry
Day 2: Language & Spoken Word Day- this can be televised, virtual &/or in person events; poetry, prose & other sessions that talk about the origin of our language, local authors (book signings maybe) can host sessions, restore Miss Lou's prominence
Day 3: Music & Dance- same format as day 2 with local dancers, artistes etc. End the day with a proper street dance.
Day 5: Art Architecture & Culture Day- museum tours, expos, etc, that showcase local art & artists from painting & sculpture to fashion & jewelry. The Kingston Art Walk crew could coordinate but each parish should have their own unique event
Day 6: The Gala Night- pretty much the same format as always culminating with fireworks & street dances
DO NOT MAKE THIS A KINGSTON EVENT. Each parish should have their own coordinators & events structured around what is unique to them. Persons can be encouraged to check out other parishes (eg. the parish (es) their parent(s) came from. Make it an islandwide event.
Somewhere in that mix we can add ancestry & history, not just of Jamaica, but of the tribes we (likely) descended from. It's quite possible & I'd love to see this happen.
Do you have any idea how many tourists this would attract???? The way in which people are excited about Jamaica, Jamaicans & everything black green & gold. The hotels would be full to capacity. Sigh.
I missed day 4... Which could be a stay at home day. Local stations show local content only. Plays, movies, music videos, etc. Potential effect of this is more locally produced programming every year in preparation for the day.
