Antigua and Barbuda to observe World Steel Pan Day, August 11, 2023

Antigua and Barbuda will mark the observance of the United Nations World Steel
Pan Day today, with the staging of a Block-o-Rama in St. John’s this afternoon.
The announcement from the Cultural Unit within the Ministry of Education, and
Creative Industries will host the Block-o-rama to commemorate World Steel Pan
Day 2023 on August 11th, from 12 noon to 2 pm on Redcliffe Street between Corn
Alley and Market Street.
"At the 77 th UN General Assembly, a resolution was passed with a co-sponsorship
from 27 member states to adopt and declare August 11 th as World Steelpan Day
and will be annually observed on the UN’s calendar. This resolution is due to the
historical significance of the steelpan movement which created and cemented
linkages to the arts, tourism, culture, education, as well as the science, technology,
and engineering sectors. "It has become a musical instrument with substantive
cross border recognition throughout the world contributing to sustainable
development, as the playing of the steelpan can positively impact on gender
equality, mental health and wellbeing, youth empowerment, socio-economic
development, and sustainability," the document said.
Antigua and Barbuda shares a long history with Trinidad and Tobago and the
steelpan community the world over. This relationship commenced in the middle
1940s and since then the steelpan has become an integral aspect of the Antiguan
and Barbudan cultural identity.
Pan enthusiasts and other spectators will be treated to sweet pan music from some
of the best steel orchestras from across the country. The steel orchestras include
West Side Steel Orchestra, Panache Steel Orchestra, Halcyon Steel Orchestra,
CUB Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, Pannist Amarni Gomes, and much more. This
event will be streamed live via our Instagram page @antiguafestivalsoffical in
collaboration with Miami Carnival @miabrocarnival platform.