St. Patrick’s day celebrations goes on for a month here because of the namesake St. Patrick’s parish (i.e. county/district) that we live in. I had to see this because of my husband’s Irish heritage, though I’m sure there is nothing like this on the Emerald Isle. The events in Sauteurs include school debates, community programs and culminate in a final weekend of fun. I went to the stand-up comedy night with Kimron and some of his friends. The main street was strung with green and white flags and was thronged with people compared to the normal 8-12 you may see here and there on a regular day. Near the stage in a big parking lot a DJ blasted great music, while an event tent did brisk business selling drinks. Along the sides of the road people were cooking on barbecues, eating, drinking, chatting and singing out and dancing to the popular songs.
We were among the first few there, but instead of starting at 7 PM as the program said, it started 2.5 hours late. I gather that Grenadian time is like Indian time – it ticks to its own whimsical drummer. Not that it mattered, as we found a bar facing the action, got drinks and sat outside watching the fun. While I people-watched and soaked up the atmosphere, Kimron and his friends chatted and ribbed each other. I had the slight sensation of being baby sat – one or the other of the guys sat with me, talking, and answering my endless questions (Kimron told me I should have been a journalist!). When I said I was ok, and not to worry about me, he said “its ok, this is the way it is in Grenada, we just want to make sure you’re having a good time”.
Some of the skits were hilarious, including one about applying for a US visa, where one candidate told her buddy the questions she was asked, and he memorized them and of course the questions changed with ridiculous results. The crowd was raucous and when it was over the cheerful crowd streamed home. The Grenadians could give the Irish a few ideas on how to honor their patron saint!
We were among the first few there, but instead of starting at 7 PM as the program said, it started 2.5 hours late. I gather that Grenadian time is like Indian time – it ticks to its own whimsical drummer. Not that it mattered, as we found a bar facing the action, got drinks and sat outside watching the fun. While I people-watched and soaked up the atmosphere, Kimron and his friends chatted and ribbed each other. I had the slight sensation of being baby sat – one or the other of the guys sat with me, talking, and answering my endless questions (Kimron told me I should have been a journalist!). When I said I was ok, and not to worry about me, he said “its ok, this is the way it is in Grenada, we just want to make sure you’re having a good time”.
Some of the skits were hilarious, including one about applying for a US visa, where one candidate told her buddy the questions she was asked, and he memorized them and of course the questions changed with ridiculous results. The crowd was raucous and when it was over the cheerful crowd streamed home. The Grenadians could give the Irish a few ideas on how to honor their patron saint!
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