Hillsborough, February 18, 2009- The people of Carriacou are keeping tradition alive, celebrating part of their culture handed down by their African ancestors. Residents of the twin villages of Mt. Pleasant & Grand Bay have just completed their annual series of Village Maroon activities. This year's Village Maroon, held at Tan Dora Junction, started with the slaughtering and seasoning of the animals, followed on the next day by the gathering of villagers and the preparation and cooking of food in traditional Maroon style: massive pots of food coked over an open fire. After the cooking, people from all across Carriacou indulged their palates with some of the Maroons' tantalizing food such as rolled rice, coo-coo with stewed peas and provisions. There was also a choice of chicken, mutton or pork. The 2009 Mt. Pleasant & Grand-Bay Village Maroon ended with Big Drum dancing by community members, as well as from performers of the Carriacou Cultural Organization. The Village Maroon tradition, which is more than 200 years old, is held to celebrate the productive harvest and to petition for success in the new planting season. From Deanna Isaac, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs INSIDE GRENADA NEWS