The Lavida Cottoy Festiville officially opened in Road Town on Monday evening, July 27, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a strong reminder of the true meaning of Emancipation.
The opening was marked by speeches, followed by live entertainment from Razor Blades, BOSS and Trinidadian soca artiste Destra.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley reminded residents that Emancipation remains the true reason for the festivities.
“While we revel in music, food, pageantry and celebration, let us also pause to reflect,” he said.
“The freedom we enjoy, freedom our children are blessed to be born into, was not handed to us. It was fought for through struggle, resistance and an unshakable belief in a better future.”
He added, “We must focus on the reason for this celebration.”
The 2026 Emancipation Festival is being held under the theme, “Culture Rising, Hearts Aligned, VI Festival, One of a Kind.”
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