Chinese culture blended with Barbadian arts and attracted close to 3 500 people to the Fish And Dragon Festival at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on Saturday.
Producer of the event, Adisa “Aja” Andwele, said the turnout was the biggest for the festival in its fourth year, and there were a number of things to see and do at the event that included road and table tennis.
Patrons had an opportunity to learn traditional Chinese drumming, to write in Mandarin, to make Chinese tea, as well as have an insight into Chinese costuming and literature. There was also Barbadian cuisine with a Chinese twist for the taking.
One of the high points was the acrobatics which the performers managed with grace and rhythm.
Aja said it was a challenge to recreate an event, usually held outdoors, to suit an indoor setting, but he was surprised by the turnout.
“When I thought this was going to be the smallest festival because of the location, it turned out to be the biggest. Some people told me that they came because of parking, which is something the Central Bank’s Church Village Green does not offer, and since it was indoors they did not have to worry about the weather. Some also liked that their children could run around freely.”
He said he was also pleased to see the varied demographics at the event, an indication the festival was gaining in popularity.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados Yan Xiusheng said the festival was also a celebration to welcome the Chinese new year – Year Of The Dog.
He added happy Barbadians were interested in Chinese traditions and that the relationship between the island and China had grown tremendously over the years. (SB)