The public is encouraged to don their best African wear and show off their creative African inspired hairstyles as Barbados joins the rest of the world in observing Africa Day on Thursday, May 25.
The Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office will host two virtual competitions – The Africa Day Best Dress and Design Competition and Africa Day Our Hairitage Hair Competition – in commemoration of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.
According to Senior Cultural Policy and Research Officer Focal Point for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, Dr. Sheron Johnson, the competitions, which are part of the activities for the Season of Emancipation, are designed to encourage citizens to become more aware of the African continent and its cultural heritage and to wear their Afro-inspired outfits and hair designs with pride.
Dr. Johnson also stated that the Best Dress and Design Competition would generate more support for local fashion designers and seamstresses as well as hairdressers and hair braiders in communities across Barbados.
She added: “The goal is to provide a platform for people to embrace and showcase their cultural heritage, while also promoting diversity and inclusivity. The hair competition will be a fun and engaging way to celebrate the beauty and diversity of African hair and to explore the new and innovative natural hair styling techniques.”
For the Best Dress and Design Competition, male and female contestants must submit two photos (front and back) of themselves dressed in an African inspired outfit, along with their contact information and their Instagram (IG) handle, and where appropriate, the contact information of the seamstress or designer who designed or made the outfit.
Male and Female contestants in the 12 to 17 and the 18 and over categories of the Hairitage Competition should submit three photos of the hairstyle showing the front, side and back, along with their contact information and IG handle. Families and office groups are encouraged to enter the competition.
There will be attractive prizes for both competitions that are all locally produced, which is the Division of Culture’s way of supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Entries must be submitted to seasonofemancipation@gmail.com between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 25. The entries will be judged by a team of qualified judges.
Further information on the competitions may be obtained by calling the Division of Culture at 535-5840, 535-5858, or 535-5844, or by following the Division’s Facebook page and Instagram @CultureBarbados.