Old Harbour readies for Emancipation, Independence events with patriotism and parade

The third staging of the annual Flag Raising Ceremony and Independence Day Float Parade is set to engage residents and visitors in a week of national pride and cultural celebration.

The Flag Raising Ceremony takes place on August 1 at 6:30 a.m. in the Old Harbour Town Square. The Independence Float Parade follows on August 6, beginning at 10 a.m. and running throughout the day. Parade routes will stretch from Old Harbour Town to Gutters, then continue through Marlie Mount, Claremont, Darlington Drive, and South Street, eventually climaxing at the Old Harbour Bay public beach.

Once a bustling seaport in the 17th century, Old Harbour is one of Jamaica’s oldest towns and played a key role in the island’s early trade and commerce. Today, it is widely regarded as the fastest-growing communities on the island, rich with history, culture, and a strong sense of civic pride.

President of the chamber and committee chair for the events, Treacha Reid of Shades of Elegance, emphasized the importance of the week’s activities.

“The flag raising ceremony is all about recognizing the importance of Jamaica gaining freedom,” she said. “We just want to highlight and celebrate the fact that we’ve been an independent nation for the past 63 years.”

More than 150 participants are expected for Friday’s event, which will close with a ceremonial march past by several uniformed groups and the releasing of 63 balloons in the colours of the flag. Participants confirmed for the march past include pathfinders, cadets, police, and senior youth leaders from the Old Harbour Seventh-Day Adventist Church. While the Jamaica Fire Brigade, usually a staple of the march, will not be involved this year, the event will still feature performances, including one by Old Harbour High School.

Rev. Hugh B. Dixon, chief minister and founder of Ecclesia Family Ministry, will deliver the keynote address. Attendees can look forward to live entertainment, followed by breakfast for participants, featuring a cultural menu of ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings and some good old time chocolate tea.

The event, now in its third year, has continued to grow, with roads traditionally cordoned off to accommodate the procession. Marchers typically travel from the East Street intersection of Marlie Drive and Goulbourne Lane to the town centre, ending at the iconic clock. 

“The first time we did it, it brought tears to my eyes,” Reid recalled. “Just seeing the different uniformed groups lined up, marching with the bands, saluting and moving with the flag, it’s just a beautiful event. The respect people have for the flag is just heartwarming.”

Following Friday’s march past, Wednesday’s motorcade is expected to keep the momentum going. A convoy of decorated vehicles will parade through the community, adorned in black, green, and gold and playing Independence-themed music along the route.

Students dressed in festive bandanas will join the procession and a collection of approximately 15 vintage vehicles, from as far back as the 1950s and 1960s, will once again be on display. Organizers are also considering adding bikers performing stunts, dramatic performances, and a few revelers to enhance the celebration.

“Last year we had the past Festival Queen waving to the community from one of the vehicles,” Reid said with enthusiasm. “We don’t want the town to feel dormant. It’s Independence! In Kingston, they have the national parade, so if Kingston can have theirs, Old Harbour can have ours too. Not everyone can afford to travel to the national parade, so we bring the celebration to them. People don’t recognize patriotism like they used to, so we’re trying to reintroduce that to the community.”

Longtime sponsor Juici Patties remains a key supporter of the event, while this year welcomes a new partner Total Energies Old Harbour, among a host of others namely W&B Enterprise, Lions Club Old Harbour, Bartley’s Funeral Service, Homer Plus Hardware, Jamaica Bedding, Unique Bathroom Vanities and Accessories, Surdeen Equipment and Trucking, Todo Limpio, RoofTop Chillingz Bar and Lounge, Natalie’s Wholesale, Ricailey’s Physical Therapy, Shades of Elegance Salon and Spa and Old Harbour News Media.