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Villagers swarm beach for biggest event in Moruga - Trinidad

Posted by CaribShout on August 3, 2009 at 8:00pm

Scores of villagers converged on the Gran Chemin, Moruga, coastline yesterday to witness the reenactment of Christopher Columbus discovery of Trinidad 511 years ago. It is dubbed the biggest event in Moruga, but president of the Moruga 500 Committee Peter Glodon complained yesterday that the festival was being neglected by those in authority. It was their 30th annual three-fold event which saw the celebration Discovery Day, Emancipation Day and St Peter’s Day. It is held by the committee in conjunction with the Princes Town Regional Corporation. Glodon said such a major event as the reenactment of Columbus arrival in 1498 was being ignored. Since Emancipation Day was proclaimed a national holiday, he said it has replaced Discovery Day. Glodon said he was not over looking the importance of Emancipation, but Discovery Day was more of a national event. He said over the years the crowds had dwindled because of several Emancipation Day celebrations throughout the country. He called on the Government to pay more attention to the event. It was around 3 pm yesterday when the Caribs and Arawaks observed three ships—Santa Maria, Pinta and Nina—coming ashore. Armed with spears they stood ready to defend their land. When the ships carrying Italian-born explorer Columbus came on shore there was a clash between the indigenous peoples and his army. The army overpowered and captured the natives. Columbus and his army knelt before a large cross on the beach and prayed. He then declared the island La Trinity. Following a march through the streets, they celebrated Emancipation Day and St Peter’s Day with much merriment and fun. Sascha Wilson Reporting

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