CHRISTMAS GRAND MARKET

The folkloric group Braata Productions — in association with Queens Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers and Brooklyn Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, the children of Jamaican immigrants — said it will host its annual “Christmas Grand Market: A Caribbean Celebration” in December.
Braata Productions, whose founder and executive producer is Jamaican Andrew Clarke, said in a statement on Friday that celebrations will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Merrick Academy Charter School, 136-25 218th Street, Queens, at 5:30 p.m., with a concert at 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11 at Harry S. Truman High School, 750 Baychester Ave., Bronx at 4:30 p.m., with a concert at 6:00 p.m.; and on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, at 4:30 p.m., with a concert at 6:00 p.m.
“Come join the festivities and enjoy exciting ambiance, music, dancing, and lively company,” said Braata Productions, stating that this holiday season marks the first year that it will host three markets in three different boroughs.
After launching one market in Queens in 2013, the company added a Brooklyn market in 2017 and one in the Bronx in 2019.
Braata Productions said the Grand Market is a “longstanding tradition in Jamaica” that takes place after the usual Christmas morning service or on the eve of Christmas Day.

Braata Folk Singers at the Guyana Cultural Association’s Folk Festival held at the Old Boys and Girls High School Grounds in Brooklyn. Photo by Nelson A. King

“The whole community will be out in their numbers participating in a variety of games and competitions for all ages,” it said. “Lots of gifts, including many toys, will be on sale from brightly decorated stalls; there is food and drink in abundance; and a great time will be had by the entire family throughout the day,” it said.
Clarke said: “As the only organization bringing Caribbean cultural experiences like this to New Yorkers, we’re thrilled to have added a third borough to reach even more people this winter.
“We’re expanding this Jamaican tradition to include other Caribbean islands,” he added. “This year is the 60th Anniversary of Independence for Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago; so, the events will particularly highlight those countries’ cultures.”
“Come check out the vendors, the museum display, and then enjoy a festive concert,” Clarke urged.
Hosted by Dahlia Harris, the markets will feature performances by, among others, Jodian Pantry (Jamaica), Denise Belfon (Trinidad & Tobago), Braata Folk Singers and Jonkanoo Parade.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ym2ur46s