Ministry Launches National Emancipation Month 2026 with Diverse Programme of Cultural Activities
The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries, through the Department of Culture, is inviting Vincentians and visitors alike to participate in the 2026 National Emancipation Month of Celebrations.
This year’s observance is being held under the overarching theme “Embracing our Past; Forging into the Future” and the subtheme “Celebrate Freedom; Honour Our Ancestors.”
Throughout the month, the Department of Culture will place special emphasis on two of its eight core values – Inclusion and Collaboration. These guiding principles underscore the Department’s commitment to ensuring that all members of society are represented in cultural development while strengthening partnerships with cultural institutions, community organisations, government agencies, sponsors and the wider public.
The celebrations officially begin on Friday, July 31, with the opening of the “History, Heritage and Memory: Garifuna Prisoners of War” Exhibition and Book Launch at the UWI Global Campus from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Later that evening, the community spirit continues with the Diamond Community Wake from 10:00 p.m.
The highlight of the celebrations will be Emancipation Day on Saturday, August 1, featuring the Official Launch of Emancipation Month, a grand Parade, Cultural Showcase and Community Fair at Victoria Park from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The cultural parade will travel from Heritage Square to Victoria Park, with participants assembling from 3:00 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend in large numbers and proudly wear African attire as they celebrate freedom and cultural identity.
The month’s programme offers a wide range of activities designed to engage people of all ages and interests. These include:
| Sunday August 2nd | Soca RelationsPeace Memorial Hall7:00 p.m. |
| Monday August 3rd | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”August 3rd – 14th Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Tablemat Weaving August 3rd – 7th Kingstown Anglican School1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | |
| Drumming WorkshopFrenches Craft Centre 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | |
| Tuesday August 4th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Drumming WorkshopFrenches Craft Centre11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | |
| Tablemat Weaving Kingstown Anglican School1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | |
| Wednesday August 5th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Tablemat Weaving Kingstown Anglican School1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | |
| Thursday August 6th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Tablemat Weaving Kingstown Anglican School1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | |
| Friday August 7th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Food and RhythmsOld Library Yard (Carnegie Building) 10:00 a.m. | |
| Tablemat Weaving Kingstown Anglican School1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | |
| Caribbean Premier League (CPL)Arnos Vale Stadium 7:00 p.m. | |
| Saturday August 8ᵗʰ | Caribbean Premier League (CPL)Arnos Vale Stadium 7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday August 9ᵗʰ | Caribbean Premier League (CPL)Arnos Vale Stadium 7:00 p.m. |
| Monday August 10th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Inter-American Week of Indigenous PeoplesAugust 10th – 14th | |
| Tuesday August 11th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| 16th KCCU National Dance Festival Launch Methodist Church Hall 10:00 a.m. | |
| Wednesday August 12th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Thursday August 13th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Friday August 14th | St George’s Cathedral (VBS)“Nurturing Young Minds Through Their Talents”Bishop’s College Kingstown9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Saturday August 15th | Climate Change Symposium: Rising Above the icane and Volcanic Hurricane and Volcanic Eruption SVGUWI Global Campus9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday August 18ᵗʰ | Oscar Allen Memorial Emancipation Lecture UWI Global Campus6:30 p.m. |
| Friday August 21st | Dance, Music & PoetryHeritage Square3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Saturday August 22nd | Ital FestArnos Vale Playing Field10:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
| Why Didn’t I Get Married?Russell’s Auditorium7:00 p.m. | |
| Sunday August 23rd | Why Didn’t I Get Married?Russell’s Auditorium6:00 p.m. |
| Friday August 28th | Storytelling & Games EveningKingstown Public Library Yard 2:00 p.m. |
The Ministry encourages communities, schools, cultural practitioners, youth organisations and families to actively participate in the scheduled activities throughout August. Emancipation Month provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors, but also to celebrate the creativity, diversity and resilience that continue to shape Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
For additional information on the programme of activities, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Department of Culture at 4512180.
