Crab Festival in Corn Islands
ViaNica.com | Aug 26, 2010
The inhabitants of Little and Great Corn Island, located in the Caribbean, are celebrating today, August 27, the 169th anniversary of the abolition of slavery with the traditional Crab Festival. The activities include a tasting of local gastronomy, a parade, the crowning of Miss Corn Island, horse racings and beach activities.
Charles Hodgson, organizer of the festival and member of Corn Islands' mayorship, explained that yesterday, August 26, the inauguration of the House of Culture of Great Corn Island was held. "All our efforts were focused on this opening. The activities started at 10:00 am and continued until 8:00 pm, for those who wanted to come," he said.
Hodgson also said that today, at 7:00 am, there was a gathering of islanders at South West Beach (Great Corn Island) and, an hour later, started the traditional parade that tours the whole island. Also, the official presentation of the candidates for Miss Corn Island beauty contest will be today.
The activities will continue until tomorrow, Sunday 28. Starting at 8:00 am, there will be a horse and other sports races. In addition, the crowning of Miss Corn Island and Miss Coco will be held at 4:00 pm. It's worth to mention that during both days, tourists and islanders will get to taste some of the local food.
About the festival:
The name of the celebration is related to the first celebration of the abolition of slavery. On August 27, 1841, the islanders celebrated with a great quantity of food and crab soap, since that was one of the main ingredients of the islands' cuisine.
The abolishment of slavery was an order of Queen Victoria of England and King Robert Charles Frederick of La Mosquitia (extinct indigenous reign which was allied with the British crown).