Pulling the Seine (net). This community at Black Rock in Tobago
participates in hauling in the day’s catch. This ceremonial communal
activity represents the love and support the community share with each
other.
The Heritage Festival in Black Rock starts at 5 AM with a “wake up
call”. The villagers choose to re-enact the rituals and habits of the
fisherfolk, drawn from African Orisha practice, for their Heritage show
and the day starts with the pouring of libations at the crossroads, which
includes the throwing of rum, milk, corn and rice at the “four roads
junction.” A street procession follows, led by a steel band, drummers,
tam boo bamboo and fisherwomen. The “street queens” and their
followers are next and then villagers and visitors join in the fun. The
procession ends on the beach at Courland Heritage Park, where breakfast
of bake and saltfish or fried fish is served with hot cocoa or chocolate
tea. Activities like seine-pulling take place (and those who help
sometimes get to share in the catch!), boat races, the christening of a
boat, and other watersports, followed by a concert or play in the
evening.