spiceisledigiconte
Aug 2, 20222 min
Updated: May 1, 2023
Beating of drums - during the days of slavery, drums were a main form of communication amongst the slaves. Drums remain an important aspect of traditional music in Grenada.
Use of lighted touches or "Flambo" or "Flambeaux" or "Flambeau" - The word Flambeau or Flambeaux is of french origin. Flambo is a flaming torch, and symbols light over darkness.
Blowing conch shells or cow horns
Stick fighting - stick fighting or Kalinda is a tradition using long wooden sticks to fight in the streets. Stick fighting is done by men and accompanied by the beating of drums. It is a slave tradition that continued after slavery, and can be still found today to a small extent in Carriacou. In the parish of St. Andrew's, the Tivoli Drummers during their performances may on occasion incorporate stick fighting.
Preparation of food - traditional food is prepared and distributed in a "saraka" like format. Food is prepared using coal pots, wooden fires, and banana leaves and there is community eating and sharing.
Procession activities - Procession through the streets, village or community in which there is the singing of traditional songs and dances.
Picture illustrates a collage of the cultural elements that make up Canboulay:
Credit: Spice Island DigiContent 2022
Subscribe to our Youtube channel