Charles Town Maroons

“Third Annual Charles Town Maroon Convention at Asafu Yard, Portland was a cultural hotspot recently as visitors and locals were treated to three days of history, heritage, food and entertainment. It appeared to be Charles Town’s biggest and best heritage celebration.” – The Jamaica Gleaner, July 9, 2011. In 2006, the Charles Town Maroon Community (CTMC) began celebrating its annual Quao Day victory celebration on June 23^rd. three years later the program was expanded in 2009 to include a two-day convention along with the traditional celebration on Quao day. Each year since then, this multi-disciplinary conference has brought together maroons, indigenous peoples and academics from all over the world to explore Maroon culture in history, culture, ethnography, anthropology, sociology, geography, archaeology, political theory, cultural studies, film, linguistics, art, music and theatre. It strives to examine the values and practices of Maroons and marronage and the ways they have influenced and transformed the Caribbean, Canada, South America, the United States of America, Europe and Africa.

Dedicated to legendary Maroon leader and hero Captain Quao, since 2009 the third day has featured cultural performances in the Maroon tradition including dancing, drumming, singing, poetry and storytelling, the blowing of the abeng and fashion shows highlighting the African mode of dress and clothing designs. It features such attractions as food and beverage stalls, art and craft booths, river bathing at Quao Village, the Asafu Museum tour, among other things.

We are now pleased to announce the details of our Fourth Annual l Charles Town Maroon Conference and Celebrations at Charles Town that will take place from June 20-24, 2012 in Charles Town, Portland, Jamaica.