13. Tobago Harvest

Tobago Harvest is a celebration of community, food and fun. It is where residents give thanks for the harvest (fruits of their labour). The day commences with a church service where all the villagers come together to give God thanks for their many blessings. After the service, they return home and partake of dishes and delicacies prepared by their neighbours. Each village in Tobago has a special time when they celebrate their Harvest. This event confirms the stories that Tobago is an island that captures the warm community spirit and willingness to be your brother’s keeper. Community is the chord that binds neighbour to neighbour friend to friend.  

I had the pleasure of attending the Harvest for the village of Bethel. The best way to describe this event is BELLY FULL! The families prepare meals from the crops sown and animals reared. The cacophony, of children at play, laughter and song young and old in heated discourse are sounds of community and all that is Tobago Harvest. The family I stayed with provided a veritable “smorgasbord” of: 

§  Provision

§  Buss up Shot

§  Callaloo

§  Pigeon Peas

§  Curry Potato

§  Pumpkin

§  Rabbit

§  Pork

§  Chicken

§  Fish

§  Horse

 

 Did you have the pleasure of attending Harvest in Tobago? Were you actively involved in Harvest for your village? Was your experience different from mine? Share your comments and pictures with us. If your village is having Harvest soon post the date give someone the opportunity to enjoy.