Love, laughter and tradition in Moriah

A village, a wedding, a living tradition

Love was in the air in Moriah on Saturday as one of the most popular Tobago Heritage Festival events attracted hundreds of people. Guests spilled outside the Moriah Moravian Church Hall for the re-enactment of the traditional Ole Time Wedding. Despite the passage of time, some customs are hard to break, as the bride arrived late for the 1 pm service.

Notably on time, though, was the village maco, who was not invited but was still very much present, spreading gossip. Balancing a basket on her head, the village maco, portrayed by Rebecca Nedd, spilled the tea about the “hop and drop” pastor, the late-night activities of the groom and the bride.As the pastor delved into the formal part of the proceedings, the village maco seized the opportunity to voice her objections. “Me, me. I know why, it have some chirren out here bawling for dey father. Me object,” she shouted.

Decked smartly in a black jacket, white shirt, black bow tie, white gloves and black top hat, the groom (Garfield Lashley) arrived at the church hall on the hill alongside the groomsmen. The bride, Avonelle James Roberts, arrived later in a flowing white dress, her face covered by a white veil and a pearl necklace adorning her neck.Among the procession was a woman with a basket of breadfruit on her head, symbolising the virginity of the bride, while another carried a coal pot, proving the bride was not hand to mouth and could have fended for herself.

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