Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2019 | Page 137

Montserrat’s African ancestry is celebrated annually at the end of July in the village of Cudjoe Head
Cudjoe Head Festival
The village was named after the 18th century slave, Cudjoe, who, in his brave quest for
freedom, ran away from his master. His ‘freedom’ was short-lived because he was eventually
caught and beheaded. As a gory, visual warning to any of the other slaves who may have been
contemplating a dash to freedom, Cudjoe’s head was hung on a silk cotton tree in the village.
The tree still stands there today.
This weekend celebration pays homage to Cudjoe and others who have fought and lost. It
commemorates the island’s African heritage by way of local performances, a road race, live
entertainment, street parties, an exhibition of locally made products and other activities
which is generally a fun time every member of the family can enjoy.