The community of Laborie is finalising its plans for the hosting, on Monday 1 August, of the second edition of Laborie Freedom Mas. This is a carnival celebration with a difference, a festive commemoration of Emancipation Day. It is a festival of enlightenment that focuses on the historical roots of carnival in the Caribbean while creating opportunities for economic activity in the community. It is spearheaded by the Laborie Freedom Mas Committee under the Laborie Development Foundation, in collaboration with the Cultural Development Foundation.
Laborie Freedom Mas is a family oriented activity which incorporates the experience gained in recent years of hosting community carnival and other cultural events. It will begin with the traditional Jouvè street party, which finds its origin in the celebration of emancipation from slavery in the Caribbean in 1834. In the afternoon, as many as five bands will parade through the streets of Laborie, carrying the message of freedom and amancipation.
The community of Laborie invites Saint Lucians and visitors alike to this festival.