Anguilla Summer Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary
The Anguilla Summer Festival, a beacon of cultural heritage and community spirit, returns this year with an extraordinary celebration marking its 50th anniversary. The event, aptly themed “The Family Reunion,” promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together locals and visitors alike from July 21 to Aug. 11 for a series of vibrant and engaging festivities.
One of the revelers for Anguilla Sumfest. Photo courtesy Anguilla Summer Festival 50 Committee
Deanne Kentish Rogers, minister of Social Development and Education, who oversees cultural affairs and the arts, shares this milestone event’s excitement. Minister Rogers, a former Miss Anguilla 2017 and the first black woman to win Miss Universe Great Britain is passionate about the festival’s significance. “This Golden Jubilee is set to be our biggest yet. We are putting on a spectacle for all to come and see, whether you are Anguillian in the diaspora or Anguillian at heart,” she said.
A Summer Festival Like No Other
The Anguilla Summer Festival stands out in the Caribbean, offering a unique mix of cultural events, sports, music, and pageantry. This year’s festival, stretching from May to Aug. 11, boasts a variety of activities both on land and at sea, making it one of the longest summer festivals on record.
Some of the events include:
J’ouvert Celebration on Monday, Aug. 5
Miss Anguilla Pageant on Tuesday, Aug. 6
Calypso Monarch Competition on Wednesday, Aug. 7
Eyes Wide Shut event with the theme “Enchanted” on Thursday, Aug. 8
Grand Parade of Troupes on Friday, Aug. 9
Poker Run on Saturday, Aug. 10
Champ of Champs Boat Race on the festival’s final day, Sunday, Aug. 11
Children dancing in their costumes during a previous Sumfest celebration. Photo courtesy Anguilla Summer Festival 50 Committee
Minister Rogers emphasizes that the festival caters to all age groups, with events designed to appeal to children and seniors. “Carnival is one time when everybody comes together from different parts of the island, and we celebrate as one big family,” she explained.
The minister has a heartfelt message for Anguillians living abroad and those who haven’t visited in years: “You don’t want to miss this Golden Jubilee. It’s not just a festival; it’s a homecoming.” The island is prepared to welcome back its diaspora with open arms, transforming it into a carnival paradise filled with memorabilia and festive decor when visitors arrive.
Anguilla, known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, guarantees a gastronomic adventure. “If you consider yourself a foodie, you have not officially received that title until you come to Anguilla and sample our food,” Minister Rogers stated.
Anguilla’s Sumfest will celebrate 50 years in grand style and celebrations. Photo courtesy Anguilla Summer Festival 50 Committee
Supporting the Festival
The minister added that the success of the Anguilla Summer Festival is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Davida’s Beach Club and Bar, Motorworld, Digicel, Flow, Black Orchid, King Ocean, and KFC, among others. These partnerships are vital in ensuring that Carnival 50 is the best yet.
Minister Rogers also calls upon the diaspora and supporters to contribute in various ways, whether by attending the festival, sponsoring events, or engaging in cultural initiatives. The festival’s website, launching on June 8, will provide detailed information on how to get involved.
As the Anguilla Summer Festival celebrates its Golden Jubilee, it is a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
