St. Patrick’s Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Lighting of Symbolic Flame
The 2025 St. Patrick’s Festival is officially underway.
The exciting ten day celebration was launched on Saturday March 9th with the symbolic lighting of the flame at the Silk Cotton Tree in Cudjoe Head.
The short ceremony highlighted a rich blend of Montserrat culture such as drummers, dancers, steel pan renditions and masquerade music and dancing.
Parliamentary Secretary Honourable Crenston Buffonge who declared the festival open, explained why the St. Patrick’s Festival is so unique in Montserrat.
Honourable Crenston Buffonge declaring the St. Patrick’s Festival open.
St. Patrick’s Day became a national holiday in 1985 to commemorate enslaved Africans who lost their lives after their planned rebellion on March 17th, 1768.
Cultural Events Coordinator at the Montserrat Arts Council, Cordella Yearwood describes the festival as a tribute to the resilience of the island’s ancestors.
Cordella Yearwood.
The next 8 days will see the staging of music concerts featuring some of the biggest names in reggae and soca music, parties, and the unique St. Patrick’s Day parade with African and Irish influences.