On Columbus’ third voyage to the new world, he was blown off course landing on the southern most island of the West Indies on Tuesday 31st of July 1498. There he found himself discovered by the local Carib peoples and named their lands after the Holy Trinity, La Trinidad. Though ignored at first, Trinidad would be come a prized property in the war and colonization of the Americas by Europe changing hands upwards of 23 times between the Spanish, British, French and Dutch. These colonist brought with them African slaves, and indentured servants from China and India. The result was that the little “2×4″ island of Trinidad became the most diverse place of the world. It is also the birth place of the only instrument invented in the 20th century, the steel band drum. Also known as the pan. The pan lead the way to the creation of a musical form known as Calypso, from which came Soca and Chutney. The subject of this music is usually either politics or sex and is celebrated in February in Trinidad’s biggest fête, Carnival. One side effect of such a big jump-up is conception. And it was such a side effect that happened on Christmas, Trinidad’s other big fête, when Catalino celebrating the holiday along with his wife Barbara’s birthday that lead to Diana’s birth.
As a small child, Diana voyaged with her family to discover New York City and a better education that could be attained there. With this focus on education, she found herself eventually in college where she was discovered by George. She then introduced George to the rich history and traditions of her people which included fête-ing and it’s own side effects which ultimately lead to my birth. Following in the foot steps of family tradition. I also found myself discovered by Patrick and later begat our own offspring. These offspring like, all children in US and other countries in the Americas, have been granted the day off from School.
Which brings us to today when all of this history can be celebrated in honor of it’s founder Christopher Columbus. Columbus day has in fact become a rich family holiday filled with massive hours of Noggin, Mario Brother’s party of 8, and spontaneous break outs of wining to some good Soca music.
Although there are many who object the observance of Columbus Day because the the implicit notions of destruction and genocide it represents. It is such a tumultuous history that allowed for my own mixed blood line, and ultimately my life. So I can only be thankful on this day and celebrate it in away that can only be reviled by the other thanksgiving holiday which is wrought with it’s on controversy. (please read on for that side of my family history)
So, in essence, I will be working from home Monday so that I can observed the fore-mention festivities.
