Eulalie Rivera Cultural Dancers get ready to perform at their school's Cultural Day celebration on March 27, 2017.
Eulalie Rivera Elementary School students, faculty and staff went all out in support of VI tradition on March 27 with a cultural day celebration and the commemoration of the anniversary of the territory's Transfer Centennial, titled, “Celebrating Our Past Today To Build a Brighter Tomorrow.”
The day-long activities kicked off early in the morning with a guest lecture by Dr. Lauren Larsen, St. Croix social studies coordinator, on the “History of Transfer and What the Commemoration Means.” He was followed by special slave song performances by students, and later a fashion presentation by students, staff and parents to the popular Reggae song, "V. I. Nice.”
Later that morning, students were treated to cultural storytelling by Janice Pemberton-Tutein, Rachel Samuel and Jamiliah Moorehead. Janice Essannason came out to share with students her skills of creating old-time crafts. Bomba Allick was also on hand to present his conch shell art and the technique he uses to create them. Music culture bearer Dean Hodge entertained students with toys and traditional instruments at his Music Center. Cedelle Peterson Christopher shared the the origins of Calypso and Soca music during her Cariso presentation.
The Cultural Day afternoon at Rivera School wrapped up with Quelbe music by the Sweet Peppa Band and Quadrille performances by Rivera School students and the We Deh Yah Cultural Dancers.
