Resilience, Reflection and Recovery: Antigua and Barbuda’s 40th Independence Day
by Karen Rollins Nov 1, 2021
Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating its 40th Independence Day on 1 November 2021, under the theme “resilience, reflection and recovery.”
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) organised a reduced schedule of events to mark the special occasion from Friday 22 October to Monday 1 November because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A special 40th Independence anniversary logo was designed by Alfonsina Olmos, and on Wednesday 27 October, the 40th Independence mural was unveiled on the south wall of the Antigua Recreation Ground.
The mural was created over a two-week period by students and art teachers from the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, All Saints Secondary School, Glanvilles Secondary School, Trinity Academy and St. Mary’s Secondary School.
National Dress Day was held on Friday 29 October with citizens encouraged to wear the national colours of red, white, blue, black, and yellow.
Two National Flag Days were recognised on Thursday 28 October and Saturday 30 October, with the flag proudly displayed from cars, homes, and office buildings and even on social media platforms.
The celebrations end on Monday 1 November with an Independence Ceremonial Parade and Awards ceremony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Chairman of the ABFC, Maurice Merchant, also encouraged food vendors and restaurants to celebrate safely by offering the country’s national dishes, saltfish and ducana, fungee and pepperpot, for pick-up and takeaway.
Happy 40th Independence Day Antigua and Barbuda!
