Fi Wi Sinting, (1 day event) is an African/Jamaican cultural show that take annually place in February. There is a nice craft market and cooking demonstrations about healthy food.
Drumming and life artists from singing, dancing, poetry, comedy. Drinks and food are on sale. The whole setting is beautiful, on a river with a lot of green and the entrance is situated on the main road, so it is easy to find. This event starts from 12.00 till in the evening and there is an entrance fee.
The Early Years
Fi Wi Sinting began in 1991 at the Content Model School in Content District, a tiny remote rural community in the foothills of the Blue Mountains of Portland which was without electricity or running water. This one room African centered school had achieved national recognition for its high standard of academics and for its award winning drumming group, the Content Model School Drummers.
Perched on a hilltop with the only access a steep footpath, as word spread of the school’s accomplishments parents, visitors and community members arrived, drawn by the talent of these youngsters who had mastered the art of drumming at such an early age.
Encouraged by the response and needing a showcase for the children’s talent, the Fi Wi Sinting Festival was born with Parents and community members in attendance along with a few friends who were daring enough to brave the rough terrain. Supplies were transported on donkeys and as night descended bamboo torches were used to light the path.
The children were only too happy to be able to generate income from their art and craft in keeping with the school’s teachings on self-sufficiency and the school which was non governmental raised much needed funding.
The award winning Content Model School drummers were the first group that dawned the stage and from that point on the festival has focused on youth participation and empowerment and on preserving African retentions in Jamaica which was abundant in the community due to its remoteness.
1997 to 2009
When the school closed its doors in 1997 the festival then moved to the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) where the Jonkunoo band and additional performers were added and it was here that it began to grow and evolve into being the largest festival of its kind in Jamaica.
With increasing attendance came a growing demand for additional activities. In keeping with the festival’s theme “Celebrating our African heritage” The African dance party hosted by Mutabaruka was introduced, along with a guest speaker and a ceremonial tribute to the ancestors in the form of an ancestral raft where patrons paid homage to our heroes/ heroines and their departed loved ones.With these additions CASE was no longer a suitable venue due to its lack of access to water which was required for the launching of the ancestral raft. Nature’s Way, approximately two miles from Buff Bay in the parish of Portland surrounded by water and with its lush vegetation and ambience sufficed for a while but due to its lack of infrastructure was not adequate for a festival of that size.
Fi Wi Sinting has been in its present location the world renown Somerset Falls, since 2009 where there is tremendous opportunity for growth. In addition to attending the festival patrons are given a brief tour of the falls with its beautiful untouched scenery, peaceful nature, and cool vibes.
It is important to note that over the years Fi Wi Sinting has stayed true to its roots as a family friendly event where the staff consists predominantly of youth and many of the vendors have been participating faithfully for more than fifteen years, transitioning smoothly with each change of venue.
There is a proven track record that the festival is essential to the education system as it has been used by High Schools, Universities and Community colleges, all of whom attend each year as a requirement for courses that focus on African retentions in Jamaica culture.
1997 to 2009
When the school closed its doors in 1997 the festival then moved to the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) where the Jonkunoo band and additional performers were added and it was here that it began to grow and evolve into being the largest festival of its kind in Jamaica.
With increasing attendance came a growing demand for additional activities. In keeping with the festival’s theme “Celebrating our African heritage” The African dance party hosted by Mutabaruka was introduced, along with a guest speaker and a ceremonial tribute to the ancestors in the form of an ancestral raft where patrons paid homage to our heroes/ heroines and their departed loved ones.With these additions CASE was no longer a suitable venue due to its lack of access to water which was required for the launching of the ancestral raft. Nature’s Way, approximately two miles from Buff Bay in the parish of Portland surrounded by water and with its lush vegetation and ambience sufficed for a while but due to its lack of infrastructure was not adequate for a festival of that size.
Fi Wi Sinting has been in its present location the world renown Somerset Falls, since 2009 where there is tremendous opportunity for growth. In addition to attending the festival patrons are given a brief tour of the falls with its beautiful untouched scenery, peaceful nature, and cool vibes.
It is important to note that over the years Fi Wi Sinting has stayed true to its roots as a family friendly event where the staff consists predominantly of youth and many of the vendors have been participating faithfully for more than fifteen years, transitioning smoothly with each change of venue.
There is a proven track record that the festival is essential to the education system as it has been used by High Schools, Universities and Community colleges, all of whom attend each year as a requirement for courses that focus on African retentions in Jamaica culture.
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