Colonel Frank Lumsden and members of the Charles Town Maroons dance at the Asufu yard during Quao Day celebrations in Portland on Friday, June 23, last year.

Paul H. Williams, Gleaner Writer

Charles Town will explode this weekend with the sounds of drums as one of Jamaica's premier Maroon villages celebrates Quao's victory.

Captain Quao, 'The Invisible Hunter', was a Maroon military leader and hero, who signed the Windward Peace Treaty on June 23, 1739 to end an eight-year war with the British in eastern Jamaica.

Under the leadership of Colonel Frank Lumsden, the celebrations blast off with Mezzaluna (half moon) on Friday night, with drumming from the Scott's Hall, Moore Town and Charles Town Maroons all night. There will also be Maroon story telling, camping, and documentary presentations. Bring your drums.

Then, on Saturday, the big day, starting at 10:00 a.m., there will be a flurry of activities including: art and craft exhibitions, woodcarving demonstrations, Queen Mother chair making, video presentations of African art and craft, kite flying, spear throwing, slingshot and bird-watching competitions, herbal medicine displays, traditional healers, African food and fashion, local drummers and dancers.

Performances are expected from the Kingston College drama club and the Buff Bay High School choir, while Cecil Gutzmore, Maroon historian, will deliver a presentation.

International flavour

The festivities will also take on an international flavour as Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica, Leonora Rueda, will be in attendance; likewise, the Capiero group from Brazil will demonstrate Brazilian Maroon martial arts.

After the dancing and drumming, escape to the crystal-clear Buff Bay River, a few chains away from Safu Yard, where the main events will take place.

But don't leave Charles Town without poking your head into history. See the entrance of Granny Nanny Cave, visit Quao's Village and the Maroon cemetery, and view the artefacts in the museum.

The event is presented by the Charles Town Maroon Council under the theme, 'Strengthening African Ties with Maroons'.

Rich with Maroon heritage, Charles Town is two miles away from Buff Bay.

Charles Town Maroons perform during Quao day celebrations at Charles Town, Portland, on Friday, June 23, last year. - photos by Andrew Smith/Photography Editor