Dionna Browne-Findlay Easter Bonnet Competition Showcases Colorful Creativity at FLOW Oistins Fish Festival

Colour and creativity were fully on display at the Dionna Browne- Findlay Easter Bonnet Competition, one of the major highlights at the FLOW Oistins Fish Festival on Sunday.

To start the event that attracted nine participants, Amanda Browne, sister of Browne-Findlay, in whose honour the competition was dedicated, said, it was a way to “reflect on who she was, a resilient, wonderful, beautiful soul.”

The competitors were divided into two age groups, The 3 -7 division with eight participants, while the 8-12 had just a single entrant. They sought the judges’ favour in categories including portrayal, visual impact, craftsmanship, originality, creativity, and choice of materials.

While a few appeared nervous, some came prepared with poses and dance moves in their arsenal.

Leo Headley, a Barbadian by birth, who recently returned to the island, was excited to join in the festivities. He had an automatic win with his colorful top hat which featured easter eggs on its crown.

Five-year-old Dantae Yearwood emerged as the winner in the 3-7 age group portraying a local fisherman with Catch the Culture. His costume went beyond the headdress and comprised of a patriotically coloured jumpsuit with a trident on the front and matching boots, complete with a rod in hand to reel in his catch. He also won Most Impactful.

In second place was Amyrah Boyce, depicting the Pride of Barbados flower with her costume. With confidence, she depicted a flag girl donning the eye-catching bonnet We Culture which captured the essence of Easter festivities including kite flying, steel pan music at Oistins festival, a Bajan fish cake stall, dominoes table, and road tennis.

Completing the top three was Aniyah Boyce, who paid homage to local folk music. Her bonnet depicted popular folk songs like John Belly Mama, The Fisherman, The Old Nutseller, Sugar Cane, along with symbols like the Landship and the Tuk Band. She even sang a snippet of Sweet Sweet Flying Fish and Cou Cou.

For patrons interested in displaying their artistic flair, the Sip, Paint, and Jazz event provided an outlet, with music courtesy of Mylon Clarke and his friends. The ensemble’s eclectic set spanned various genres. Their lively performance included selections from Bob Marley, Chronixx, Michael Jackson, and Lil Rick.

Another highlight of the day was Blessings in the Bay event hosted at Granny’s Stage. Opening with a spirited performance were members of the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist who have been a staple at the festival. They were followed by a liturgical presentation by Dancin’ Africa’s Junior Troupe. The band Promise was the final act and with selections including I Command My Hands and contemporary hits like Big God, I Know Who I Am and People Like You they had the audience fully engaged.