“Lady of Culture” Marcella Marsdin (right) and her team placing some flamboyant tree flowers at the entrance to a home in Concordia, St. Eustatius.
- EUSTATIUS--The sound of drums banging and the singing of the song “Happy, Happy July Day” could be heard in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 1, ringing in Emancipation Day 2020 in St. Eustatius. “Lady of Culture” Marcella Marsdin and her team organised and carried out the cultural event.
St. Eustatius was emancipated from slavery on July 1, 1863. On that day, the tradition was started by freed slaves who sang this song as they decorated their homes with “July” flowers from the flamboyant tree.
On Tuesday, June 30, Marsdin and her team of helpers drove to different villages on the island and decorated several homes with flowers. Many Statia residents continued this tradition, as many homes and gates were decorated.
