Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Announces Events Commemorating the Nation’s 40th Independence Anniversary

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, (ABFC), is pleased to announce the schedule of events commemorating our fortieth (40th) Anniversary of Independence, under the theme “Resilience, Reflection and Recovery”.

Chairman of the ABFC, Mr. Maurice Merchant, outlines that for the second consecutive year, due to the
current epidemiological circumstances involving the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Antigua and
Barbuda, and by extension the ABFC, was forced to scale down the Independence Celebrations, which
resulted in the exclusion of some of the more popular events, namely, the National Youth Rally, National
Junior Panorama Competition, Independence Fashion Show, and the National Food Fair.

However, he advises that the ABFC wishes to encourage food vendors, and restaurants, to continue the
tradition of preparing scrumptious local cuisine across the islands on November 1st, for take away service.
Feel free to contact the Festivals Commission at 462-0194, for marketing assistance, or send an email with
your Independence menu to [email protected].

Minister responsible for Education, Sports, and the Creative Industries, Honourable Daryll Matthew,
explains that it is the full intent of the Ministry to keep the Independence spirit alive, for this milestone
anniversary celebration. He further announced that this year, in addition to the National Dress Day slated
for Friday 29th October, a new initiative, ‘National Flag Day’ will be staged on Thursday 28th October and
Saturday 30th October, respectively.

On this day, all citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as those in the diaspora, are
encouraged to show patriotism by displaying, or wearing themed attire, representing our National flag. He
expressed, “For our National Flag Day, we hope to see the Antiguan and Barbudan flag on all cars, on all
homes and office buildings, and even more, populating every social media platform”. Flag distribution outlets
will be announced, for persons desirous of obtaining the National flag.

This year’s calendar of events commences on Friday 22nd October with the 40th Anniversary of
Independence Media Day, and culminates on Monday 1st November with the Independence Ceremonial
Parade and Awards at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at 5:00p.m.