The main event on the cultural calendar at this time of year, the Tobago Heritage Festival, would normally generate a lot of interest and activities in communities across the island.
This year, as the pandemic continues to restrict culture and entertainment, all of the live events that usually attract large crowds are not taking place. One of the biggest is the Moriah Ole Time Wedding which would have been held last Saturday.
The colourful event usually takes place at the Moravian Church in Moriah with the bride, groom and guests, all members of the Moriah Village Performing Company dressed in clothing from the British colonial period for the re-enactment.
The village maco provides commentary as the couple exchange wedding vows then take part in a street procession to the reception at the local community centre, with musical accompaniment by the Tobago Tambrin and Fiddle.
Characters in the procession include a woman carrying a chest, another balancing breadfruit on her head to signify that the bride is a virgin, as well as one with a coal pot and iron to show that the bride can cook and wash.
There is also a “Massa”—character smoking his pipe riding on a carriage with his wife.
The revelry reaches a feverish pitch as the procession ends at the local recreation ground.
Here is a look back at past celebrations.
The bride and Groom exchange vows
Edison Boodoosingh
Wedding guests in their Sunday best
Edisn Boodoosingh
The brush back dance has been perfected by these players from Moriah
Edison Boodoosingh
A girl taking part in the wedding festivities
Edison Boodoosingh
The newlyweds dancing on their way to the wedding reception
Edison Boodoosingh