Vincentians celebrate All Souls and All Saints! Jumbie Leggo on November 1st and 2nd!
Around the world, the end of October into the first days of November age-old traditions recognize our dearly departed, the memory of our loved ones who have transitioned from this life. In the US and other countries, there’s the celebration of Halloween.
In St. Vincent & the Grenadines and other Caribbean countries, many persons will make the pilgrimage to cemeteries across the country to celebrate the traditions of All Souls and All Saints. Colloquially referred to as “Jumbie Leggo”.
During these two nights, persons decorate the gravesites of their departed loved ones with hundreds of lighted candles. Cemeteries almost literally come alive with flickering lights.
Those unable to visit graveyards, opt to light candles in their homes in memory of those passed on. This, accompanied by excited children with Starlight Sparklers and others with poppers and noisemakers. In some areas, the cemeteries are also brought to life with music.
There’s also the Bamboo-Joint tradition where makeshift “canons” are created from cut stalks of Bamboo trees using Kerosene as fuel for the explosion.
In some villages there are those daring souls who would light rubber tires and go dragging them through the streets, a dangerous activity strongly discouraged.
In 2016 these traditions appear to be alive and well, the practices passed down to yet another generation.
