"Celebrating the Journey, We Come from Far"
The Tobago Heritage Festival is an event that gathers momentum. This is evident as the word journey, conjures up the physical imagery of movement which is exactly what occurs at Festival time as the spectators are not stationary but move voluntarily from village to village to fill their cultural appetite. From Charlotteville down to Scarborough, as the theme song suggests there is that ‘exodus’ from place to place to be a part of those energetic fun filled 18 days of production.
This theme also acts as a fitting extension of last year’s theme of “Tracing Footprints”. The idea is to promote the exploration of these footprints which are the foundations of the journey; one that ordered these footprints in aiding Tobagonians to endure trials and has ensured they emerged victorious and able to celebrate with resounding joy.
Fused with the celebration of the Tobago House of Assembly’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, the island boasts of its governing body which has handled the affairs of Tobago with pride, eloquence and genuine love for its people. This journey with the THA has been demonstrated with positive development and is evident today as we look around and see where we have come from, where we are at present and also the vision that will take us into the forthcoming years.
The ultimate purpose of the Festival is the preservation of our regal heritage (traditions) and in order for this the span of the journey to our present state must be reflected upon and continued. How wondrous it is to review those aspects of our culture that have sculpted us to become the brilliant people that we are today.
Finally, it is imperative for us to note that our victory also emanates through the survival of the successful staging of the Tobago Heritage Festival each year, despite the potent influence of foreign culture. For that alone we must celebrate or superb achievements as an island as an administration and as a people forged together by our experiences and our love for Tobago. This year’s Festival marks the 25th edition of the Festival.