Countdown to an Epic Easterval

      It is now Good Friday of  Easter 2016. Besides the religious significance of the holiday,  there is a cultural connection in the Grenadine island of Union island.
    50 years ago a little known festival was started by the people to celebrate this weekend.  It consisted of sports,  water activities and general celebrations of the 'Unionite'  heritage. As I type this I am looking at my bags as I go to my second home to enjoy what can be described as an
'Epic Easterval' .

       Today I take the good old ferry down to Union Island. The journey which will take about 5 hours (There is a faster ferry but it does not operate today) will give me time to reflect on the significance of Good Friday as well as catch up on some well needed sleep. As soon as I land it's going to be a non-stop party.

     Tonight is the Union Island Foreign Based All White Party. The most popular private event for Easter promises this year an exciting VIP experience with premium drinks and food as well as the best djs in SVG including the popular 2 Kool Kris. This party starts at ten but the best time to stroll in is after midnight as you will not be leaving until morning. 

      Saturday morning brings the Breakfast Buffet at Uncle's Spot in Campbell. This new event is billed to be the food event of Easter for us weekenders and I am looking forward to the menu. 

     Saturday evening will be the Lion's All Inclusive Sunset Cruise. This will be my second year on the cruise. While supporting a charitable cause you get to see the beauty of Mayreau and  sail around Union Island while enjoying the music, drinks and a great atmosphere. 

     Saturday night is the prestigious Miss Easterval pageant. Six contestants will compete for the crown in the four categories. I judged this pageant for two years and it was a good show. Let's see if the crown can come back to Union Island this year. 

  Sunday morning will be church with my grandmother at the St. Matthias Anglican Church. This church is one of the oldest on the island and it is a family tradition that we attend to receive our Easter blessing. This is followed by the Sunday family lunch with lots of wine and jokes as we reminsce on the olden days.
   This year, the Easterval committee will hold a new event called Beach House to replace the Soca Fest. It will be held at Sparrow's Beach Club which has one of the best views on the island and features live performances and the best Djs. Let's see if it lives up to the hype. *fingers crossed*

   Monday will be J'ouvert from Ashton to Richmond beach. Just watch the video. It says it all. 

And then it is back to reality. Union Island for 2016 will be 'turnt up' as the young people say for Easterval 2016. 

Follow me on Twitter @shavarstar, Instagram @shavarstar Snapchat @shavarstar for pictures and videos from this Easterval!