Anguillan seafaring heritage celebrated

The sleepy fishing village of Island Harbour comes alive each Easter weekend to the rhythms and flavors of the 4th annual Festival del Mar. 

Located at the eastern tip of Anguilla’s undulating shoreline, the village’s rich history dates back to the early 1600’s when it is said a boat carrying a group of missionaries from Ireland were shipwrecked just off the northern coast.  The survivors found refuge on Anguilla, and called it Ireland Harbour. 

Over the years the spelling was changed to Island Harbour which we know it as today.   For centuries, the men of Island Harbour eked out a living from the rich waters of Angulla which teemed with all varieties of fish, including the famous Anguillian spiny lobster, and its smaller, sweeter cousin, the crayfish.  It was from an industry of fishing, boatbuilding and lobster catching that they built their community economy – all whilst honing their boat-racing skills to near perfection.

Today, the Festival del Mar is conceptualized by community leaders as a means of paying tribute to their sea-faring heritage, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to savour the flavours of a variety of delicacies from the sea, whilst enjoying a plethora of activities that take place in, on or around the water.  Local string bands and steel pans add to the colorful, festive atmosphere as residents, young and old, compete in a series of events including crab-racing, model boat-racing, sun-fish racing and deep sea fishing.  Swimming races are also held, but the highlight, of course, is the island’s beloved national sport, Boatracing. 

With over 20 food stalls lining the roadways and beachfront on Island Harbour, culinary delights abound, with only one stipulation: all menu items must come from the sea!  Lobster, crayfish, conch, whelks, snapper, shellfish and calamari are served up in a variety of ways, with favourite sides like dumplings, conkies, fried cakes and Johnny cakes to round off the finger-licking meal.

Festival del Mar is one of a series of local festivals endorsed by the Anguilla Tourist Board and the Department of Youth and Culture as a vehicle for celebrating our cultural heritage, whilst at the same time offering visitors an opportunity to experience the authenticity of Anguilla’s local traditions.

For further information, or to learn more about Anguilla call the Anguilla Tourist Board at 1 877-4 ANGUILLA or visit http://www.ivisitanguilla.com