It is expected that a parade of traditional toys which was held in Roseau on Friday will serve as a motivation for children to continue to make traditional toys and to continue to play traditional games.
Cultural Projects Officer of the Division of Culture and Coordinator of the Traditional Games and Toys Festival, Gregory Rabess told Dominica News Online (DNO) that the event “also creates general awareness among the population of the importance of traditional games and toys because this traditional games and toys they create bounding between parents and children.”
The festival was organized by the Division of Culture with a number of partners in Dominica and in association with a group in Guadeloupe called GwaJeka.
Students from a number of schools on the island participated in the event which featured a wide variety of kabouways, ‘sec’ and other toys.
“It is very good for socialization, it promotes team work, cooperation…it creates positive values in our society,” Rabess added.
He said the first leg of the festival was held in Portsmouth on March 5th.
“The schools in the Portsmouth area paraded through the streets of Portsmouth and that was very nice, and then they went to Benjamin’s Park where we had fun, we played games,” Rabess stated. “The children said they liked it and the teachers said the children really enjoyed the day.”
Following the parade in Roseau, the schools gathered at the Botanical Gardens where, according to Rabess, “the children and the general public participated in traditional games, play around with toys and of course, view an exhibition of traditional toys and games.”
He said about 20 schools were among those who participated in the exhibition.
He said forming part of the festival was a regional forum “where we looked at the creation of a Caribbean federation of traditional games and toys and we also discussed a range of topics that have to do with traditional games, toys, culture and the economy.”
The Cultural Officer said the idea for now, is to hold the festival every two years.
The St. Mary’s Primary (SMP) has organized a similar event dubbed the “Kabouway” festival for a number of years.
Meanwhile, President of the Association of GwaJeka, Jean-Paul Quiko told DNO that the Festival of Traditional Games started in Guadeloupe ten years ago and his association decided to implement it in Dominica.
“I think it is a good thing because it is important for us to share with Caribbean people in this culture of traditional games,” he said.
According to Quiko the festival is very important, “Because when you play with these toys we share a lot of things with parents, with the children and for us, it is very important.”’
The Guadeloupe Festival is held every year.
Quiko said it is expected that the festival will be held in Brazil in September and in the future, Martinique and Haiti among other Caribbean islands.
See photos below.
I must compliment the organizers not withstanding the fact that there were several shot comings, and SMP for allowing the boys the opportunity show case there creativity and skills. I must say when my son suggested that we build a Petro Caribe Truck for his school’s parade I felt extremely challenged but how ever with the assistance of my good friend Patrick (workshop Bath Estate) PDV DOM LTD, Choice SPOT Anse-De-Mai, myself and his detail and customizing efforts made it possible. We believe that there are a number of kids along with there parents assistance who needs to get involve not only in keeping with tradition but allowing the kids to develop what may become a career some day. Big up Jervonte’ Winston customizing job well done!
Memories…. Building these little trucks and scooters taught me so much about life, resourcefulness more specifically. Interesting to note that while Bedford trucks are no longer mainstay, but their inspiration form a majority of the toy vehicles. This teaches our kids how to innovate and more importantly, life building principles. Great to see.
I was just thinking the same thing…
Where is the SECK.. one of the badest back in time D/a toy if u deadly with tricks on it..:-) :-)
I am one who loves to reminisce. It brings back childhood memories, making me wish I was at that age again to play with those toys.
It must have been a beautiful sight viewing them parading their toys and participating in childhood games. I love to see them.
just as listening to the religious programs as also hymns/songs and prayers on the radio especially early mornings during the week and on Sundays.
Excellent work everyone. The boys especially labored for sometime to build those toys – little trucks.
There were no TV’s, Internet, computers and stereo sets then. Oh yes! Some had a gramophone.
You will recall, few homes had a radio. Some neighbors radios were so loud that the others could listen to them
The girls could also have dolls all dressed up as they were in those days.
Whatever the era, the culture then, those were the good old days my friend which we should try to bring back to a certain extent. They hold great memories and bring a smile to our faces, sometimes make us laugh and feel young again, be it for a few moments.
In this case once a man, twice a child. This will keep us youthful enough for as long as possible.
Where the seck?
Good vibes, we should aslo revive “ring games” or at the very least archive the songs.
I’m glad someone is trying to pull the kids away from all of the electronic gadgets. They should have a little workshop where they can create and build their own toys.
Wow, let’s keep our future generations knowing how to think creatively and preserve our rich culture. Congratulations
Lol…
I was not aware that there was a parade of such now..don’t know what to say..
Big Up to SMP!(St.MarysPrimary) #Trendsetters #KabouwyeBoys
That’s what I’m talking about! Skills and talent on display! I’m happy to see so many of our young males enjoying their creation. This gives them self confidence and makes them think powerful and in control about their creation. In the future they can become engineers, architects and entrepreneurs if they so desire. As parents, we should continue to encourage them to create what they imagine. I can see the contentment on their faces. Also, it’s good to see some of the parents participating. May this tradition continue on a larger scale here.
ONE LOVE
It is good to encourage the children to be creative as it helps in their development to become productive members of society. Seeing the concentration on the faces of the participants brings back a lot of fond memories! By the way, there was one little girl shown with her project; maybe this will encourage other girls to participate next time around.