In Statia, A Taste of Culture

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation and the St. Eustatius Business Association will be hosting the first Statia Taste of the Cultures event on May 26.

The event is billed as a cross-cultural community experience that will exhibit multiple nationalities.

“We want to create an atmosphere where all cultures on the island can unite, for united we are stronger,” said Winston Fleming, STEBA President.

Ten groups will participate in the festivities, representing Curacao, Aruba, Suriname, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, Barbados and Statia, among others.

“From tasting snacks and having a cold drink from various cultures to engaging in conversations with like-minded people from all walks of life, is the concept behind the event,” said Teena Lopes, STDF Public Relations Officer.

The event will kick off at the dock in Lower Town with a parade of flags choreographed by St. Eustatius Historical Gem Dancers.

“With the birth of this event, visitors, as well as locals, will have the opportunity to taste the flavours of various cultures,” said Maya Leon Pandt, Product Development and Human Resources Manager.

“Statia, a tiny island with a population of around 4000, has over 40 different nationalities,” she said. “How best to enjoy each other, than bringing these various cultures together with food, art and traditions, to learn from each other and above all, taste each other’s national dishes.”

This food-filled day is part of STDF’s program to promote tourism awareness while highlighting different aspects of tourism that exist locally.

“This will be an eye-catching extravaganza for all to enjoy. We encourage folks to come along with the kids and treat their taste buds,” Fleming said.