Fun for August Monday – My Anguilla Experience
August Monday in Anguilla is perhaps one of the most highly anticipated days for the Anguilla Summer Festival. Some may argue that it may even be the most anticipated day in Anguilla each year. As is the custom, August Monday 2014 kicked off with J’ouvert Morning featuring five of Anguilla’s local bands: De Movements Band (DMB), Exodus HD, Pantha Vibes International (PVI), Infusion Band and North Sound International.
Fun fact, our father Iva Richardson and our cousin Alex Richardson were once members of North Sound Band. Although the band has been dismantled for a number of years, members reunited this year to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Anguilla Summer Festival. An immensely popular band of its time, it was great to hear and see the band perform for both the Band Clash and J’ouvert Morning alongside all the other more recent bands.
If August Monday is the most highly anticipated day for the Summer Festival, then J’ouvert is definitely the most anticipated event! It is an opportunity for the bands to prove who really is the “King of the Road” as well as an opportunity for fans and carnival revelers to come out, dance through the streets and enjoy themselves!
J’ouvert in Anguilla
Sherise’s August Monday Fun
Aside from the “jamming”, J’ouvert is an opportunity for individuals to express themselves creatively through their clothing and props, in support of their favourite bands. This year I saw persons dressed in sailor costumes, wet suits and covered in paint and oil. The PVI army was well represented with numerous persons dressed in camouflage and there was even a life size replica of an army missile truck! Exodus HD Fans were not to be outdone with plastic swimming pools and a washing machine as they intended to “wash and rinse out!” the competition. Their efforts were aided by the presence of a number of water trucks, which were a welcome addition for myself and other revelers as humidity levels were quite high. At the end of the jam, I was very tired and a bit soggy but there was no time for rest as j’ouvert was just the beginning of what may have been my best August Monday to date!
J’ouvert
J’ouvert in Anguilla
Part two of my August Monday festivities included a quick stop at Janine and Ian “Sugar George” Edwards of Sunset Homes All White Party held at the gorgeous Spyglass Hill Villa. The view of Sandy Ground and the Beach Party from the villa was amazing! Picture perfect indeed! The “all white” theme was fully embraced by all the guests which added to the light, fresh, summery atmosphere of the party. I enjoyed some very tasty pelau and great conversation with some of the guests before heading out to our annual August Monday boat ride. You can read more about our August Monday boat ride here.
Sherise and Shelly at Spyglass Hill Villa
Sherise at Spyglass Hill Villa
Although there were a few hiccups to the beginning of our boat ride such as a late start and the case of the missing rum punch (lol), it all worked itself out in the end and we even ended up with two boats instead of the original one! Our initial plan was to follow the boat race, however it was cancelled due to unsuitable weather conditions for boat racing. Hence, we decided to head to Little Bay for some swimming and rock diving. I have never jumped off the rock at Little Bay but it’s definitely on my bucket list! One of these days I definitely will, but August Monday was not that day (lol)! Our second stop was Sandy Island where the party continued until late in the evening before heading back to Sandy Ground for the Beach Party. My friends and I definitely had a “turnt up” time and I am absolutely looking forward to doing it all again next year!!
Boat ride August Monday
Boat ride August Monday
Shelly’s August Monday Fun
I slept in until 8 am while Sherise was out on the road for j’ouvert from 5am.
Nash and I started our August Monday celebrations around 1pm when we headed to Spyglass Hill Villa which is owned by Ian and Janine Edwards for their August Monday All White Party. I enjoyed the great view of Sandy Ground and the festivities while also enjoying the relaxing ambiance of the villa. It was a great combination.
I had a great afternoon talking to new friends such as Carrie Bogar from Veya restaurant and Carol Shannon who makes local soaps and candles. Thanks for your support of this blog :). It is always wonderful hanging with Orrett and Deborah of Design Anguilla and Perin and Hyacinth and many other friends.
Debbie and Shelly
Debbie and Orrett from Design Anguilla
Sherille Hughes from Paradise Cove
All White Party
Sherise and Shelly at Spyglass Hill Villa
Nash at Spyglass Hill Villa
The afternoon really kicked up a notch around 3pm when Boss and his band started the live entertainment at the Villa. Boss is such a talented entertainer and as expected didn’t fail to get many persons on their feet and moving including Nash and I. Gilda from AHTA and others arrived at the party dancing and looked ready to dance the evening away.
Superb entertainer – BOSS
There was a gentle breeze and the view whenever I happened to look down towards Sandy Ground was amazing. There were boats in galore and hundreds of ‘tiny’ people moving around the beach.
View of festivities at Sandy Ground for August Monday
Around 6:30 pm Nash and I decided to leave the villa to become one of the tiny persons on the beach. We spent half an hour in traffic trying to get to the beach but we snagged a great parking space close to the beach. Our intention was to do a walk through and head home but when you bounce into friends plans change. Shout out to Kyle and Sherma, Shantelle, Derrys, Shandra, Cherecia, Arniva, Delique and so many others. We didn’t really know what was happening on stage but in terms of socializing at the beach party we had fun.
We must say job well done to the organizers. Everyone appeared to be having a great time on the beach. If you are interested in seeing pictures and videos from August Monday check out Facebook pages like Picture This. Visit My Anguilla Experience on Facebook as well.
We are excited to hear how you guys spent your August Monday. Share your experiences in the comments below :). Thanks for reading!
Written by Sherise Brooks and Shellecia Brooks-Johnson, photo credit Nashaine Johnson
Want to learn more about the gorgeous villa pictured here? Check out the 2015 Sunset Homes magazine here.
I just loved reading about your carnival experience this year. I love seeing all of the photos of the crowds at Sandy Ground and hearing about Jouvert. Thanks for sharing YOUR Anguilla experience!
Thanks Emily. I think your blog and reading choices are also fantastic. Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for letting us know that. We appreciate it :).
Loved reading about your August Monday experience Shell, really well done That all white party looked like a lot of fun, stunning views. I love seeing the pictures from Carnival, what a beautiful week of fun and tradition, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Ellen. I am glad Sherise and I were able to convey the fun of August Monday through the blog. The Summer Festival ended today so I am sure many people are still recovering and many are already looking forward to Carnival 2015. I hope you are well Ellen. Have a great week.
Fun Fun Fun post. I drove by the party about 6 to look down and decide if I should go. Of course I did and what a great experience. Your picture of Boss didn’t download on my screen 🙁 but i will try again. I think I must make AXA festival an annual trip!!! Thanks for your eloquent sharing and love your articles in “Design Anguilla”