Braata ‘Ole Time Grand Market’ opens for Christmas treats

Braata ‘Ole Time Grand Market’ opens for Christmas treats|Braata ‘Ole Time Grand Market’ opens for Christmas treats
|BRAATA Productions

With just a little more than 12 days of Christmas registering with procrastinators that missed out on bargains promoted for shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday and the various cyber seconds and thirds that followed last week, Braata Productions is offering an exciting and colorful taste of a traditional Caribbean Christmas.

During their third annual “Ole Time Grand Market Celebration” at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center: 153-10 Jamaica Ave., a celebration of Caribbean culture invites everyone to share the joy of a true Caribbean Christmas experience.

Slated for Dec. 13, holiday shoppers will be able to find treasures to take home.

Vendors will be selling everything from food and craft items to toys and Christmas specialties.

During a daylong festival featuring music, food vendors and numerous activities for children and families, a traditional Jamaican holiday feature will be featured.

According to organizers, due to the appeal and alluring aspects of the festival, Braata has dramatically expanded the presentation to offer an even more diverse presentation to audiences.

This year’s showcase is an all-inclusive event not limited to Jamaican participants but performers and participants from the entire Caribbean region that will represent with their unique brand of holiday mirth.

This year’s concert will feature an eclectic roster of popular acts including the award winning Braata Folk Singers, Todo En Uno Caribeño Parang Band, St. Lucian Cultural Organization, and D’ Oro Evolution Dance Ensemble.

The festival will also feature a traditional Jonkanoo Parade and exhibit, patty and bun eating contests, Christmas family portrait s, face painting, the popular Kiddies Christmas grab bag and health screenings by the Jamaica Nurses Group.

Braata Productions is an arts organization based in New York serving the Caribbean American diaspora.

Doors are slated to open at 3:30 pm and a concert will begin at 4 pm.

For further information, contact Braata at braataproductions@gmail.com.

JAMAICAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN NYC

Directly from Jamaican three accomplished musicians — Paulette Bellamy, Jon Williams, and Ana Strachan — promise “an eclectic mix of music on strings and keys that touches the soul and a voice that fills the great halls and cathedrals” of the world. For two days, in Springfield Gardens, Queens and Westbury, Long Island on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20, the trio plans an alluring concert to Jamaicans and friends that appreciate classic, holiday music and good company.

For detailed information, visit www.islandcentermall.com.

St. Lucian Cultural Organization.
BRAATA Productions