According to the festival’s Executive Director, Mr. Antonio “Abonati” Liburd, a number of pre-Culturama activities that were scheduled to begin on the first of July, had to be cancelled because of the ongoing campaign.

Liburd, speaking on local radio, explained that his committee wanted to avoid being caught up in the political atmosphere, so it was decided to curtail the activities.

However, with the elections over, new energies are being poured back into the efforts to generate excitement over the annual celebrations. On Saturday, 16^th July, the Official Launch and Street Bash were held in Charlestown, running from 12 Noon to 12 Midnight.

The event was sprinkled with food booths, live music by the Odyssey Band, a DJ Sound Clash, and a fashion show featuring the contestants from the Mr. Kool, Miss Culture Queen Pageant and the Miss Culture Swimwear.

The Executive Director described the day’s activities as one packed with entertainment and excitement.

The main events for Culturama are due to commence this Thursday, 21^st July.

Liburd said the Mr. Kool show, which was first started around 2000/01 is the activity that seems to be creating much buzz this year, after being absent from the roster of events since 2007. He said the committee was forced to re-evaluate the quality of the contest because they were not attracting the type of contestants that were consistent with the show’s objectives.

He said members of the public had been asking for the return of the contest, thus the organizers decided to have it re-introduced for 2011.

However, it will not be a stand- alone event, as it will be twinned with the Miss Culture Swim Suit contest on Sunday 24^th July. Some 4 contestants will compete for the coveted title of Mr. Kool.

There is also some buzz as well, said Liburd, surrounding the re-structured food fair that is planned for Saturday 30^th July, 2011. The hours for the food fair have been extended to climax at 12 Midnight, instead of 7:00pm.

Culturama will run from 21^st July to 2^nd August, 2011, under the theme, “Mas, Music, Fun for 2K11; Truly a Cultural Expression.