On Sunday, December 13, 2015  the annual Ole Time Grand Market was held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in New York.  The event featured performances the Braata Folk Singers, St. Lucian Cultural Organization, Todo En Uno Caribeno Parang Band, D’Oro Evolution Dance Ensemble and more.

Headlining Ole Time Grand Market was the Braata Folk Singers! The Braata Folk Singers are proud ambassadors of and the foremost authority on Jamaican and Caribbean folk music performance in the United States. Braata has constantly wowed audiences on some of the most prestigious stages both locally and internationally and has reaped awards of excellence from the world’s most astute connoisseurs of choral music. The group has established itself among Jamaicans and others in the wider Caribbean Diaspora for its unique and dynamic presentation of the region’s folk music, combining new choral arrangements with intricate choreography, design elements and costume. The result is a theatrical presentation best described as “choral theater.”

Grand Market is a longstanding tradition in Jamaica that takes place after the usual Christmas morning service or on the eve of Christmas Day. The whole community would be out in their numbers participating in a variety of games, and competitions for all ages, lots of gifts including many toys were on sale from brightly decorated stalls, there was food and drink in abundance, and a great time was had by the entire family throughout the day. Here are photos from the Ole Time Grand Market 2015 New York. Photos courtesy of Ciaca Photography