The 2015 edition of the Tobago Heritage Festival opened in fine style on Thursday night, returning to its home at Shaw Park in the newly built cultural complex.
This year's edition marked the culmination of the trilogy Reflections, Revelations and Recognition which started in 2013.
The presentation at the opening gala was Passages—Remembering Our Legacy, which was scripted by veteran cultural icon Jesse Taylor with a cast of over 500 artistes, from more than ten villages, and at least seven cultural groups.
Among the performers was one school which gave a stellar performance of a historical account of Tobago's traditions utilising various elements of the island's art forms in dance, music, African drumming and oral traditions such as speech band, calypso and extempo.
Passages related the Tobago story as seen through a battle for personal fame and glory, epitomised by characters having rich symbolism and personification such as the Spirit of Fort King George, the One-Eyed Spirit, The Spirit of the Silk Cotton Tree and Mother, Father Tobago.
Through the account of Tobago's history, including the Bellmana Riot, Hurricane Flora in 1963, and voices from the plantations, recognition was given to the triumph of the island's noble legacy. Presentations were also made featuring efforts to celebrate, preserve and sustain the beauty of Buccoo Reef, Nylon Pool, and the Mysterious Tombstone. The need for Tobago's self-sustainability in the event of a disaster was also highlighted.
Tribute was also paid to the Arnos Vale Waterwheel which was destroyed by fire a month ago, the legacy of the Moriah Ole Time Wedding, Tobago's Ole Time Carnival and the intricacies of a Wake and Bongo.
The Tobago Heritage Festival will take place over the next two weeks, with each community displaying its talents nightly.
In delivering remarks, Secretary for Community Development and Culture Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus said Tobago's heritage was cemented by the ingrained principles of integrity and decency and innate qualities of a resilient people united in strong beliefs, traditions and practices. She said the THA remained committed to supporting the event.
"This is why the Tobago House of Assembly through the Division of Community Development and Culture remains committed to the investment in this festival as a critical component in our development and future aspirations. The Tobago Heritage Festival 2015 therefore recognises our heritage that is natural, built, cultural and iconic where together we celebrate the traditions, qualities and values that distinguish us as Tobagonians first, as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and further as Caribbean people," she said.
The Tobago House of Assembly has budgeted $12 million for this year's event.