Braata Productions is getting reading to celebrate its 12th annual Christmas Grand Market, a festive celebration of Caribbean heritage and Christmas traditions featuring a variety of arts and crafts, traditional foods, music and cultural performances.

Braata Productions said on Friday that the event – held in in association with Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, State Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, Council Member Kevin Riley and State Senator Leroy Comrie – fosters “a unique opportunity for Caribbean immigrant elders and New York City-born youth to connect through shared traditions and culture.

“It also serves as an opportunity for anyone interested in Caribbean culture to explore the rich and diverse traditions of the festive season,” it added.

Braata Productions said this year’s Grand Market pays homage to the milestone anniversaries of four Caribbean islands: Haiti (220 years), St. Lucia (45 years), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (45 years), and Grenada (50 years).

Patrons explore the Christmas Caribbean exhibit. Photo by David Onabanjo

The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Merrick Academy Charter School, 136-25 218th St., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 (Entrance on 137th Ave., between 218th & 219th streets). Market opens at 5:30 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m.

It will also be held Sunday, Dec. 8, 2023 at Harry S. Truman High School, 750 Baychester Ave. Bronx NY. Market opens at 4:30 p.m.; concert at 6 p.m.

“For the last 12 years Braata Productions has produced this half day event, held at different venues throughout the city of New York,” Jamaican Director Andrew Clarke told Caribbean Life. “Grand Market is a longstanding Christmas tradition in Jamaica but we have expanded it to include traditions from all the islands of the Caribbean.

“This year, we focus on the rich traditions and artistic expressions of four islands celebrating milestone anniversaries of independence,” he added. “After Christmas morning service the community would be out in their numbers in the town square, or an open lot participating in a variety of games, and competitions for all ages, lots of gift items were on display for sale, and food and drink were in constant supply and demand… a great time was had by all throughout the day.”

Clarke said Braata’s version includes display booths of food and gift items, raffle, a Caribbean Christmas exhibit, family portraits, Jonkanoo parades and a live concert with six performances.

In addition to the robust market of 15-plus food and craft vendors, he said this event includes a full concert with six performances – “an unbeatable two for one deal.”

“The concert itself is wonderfully diverse, with singing, saxophone music, live DJ, dancing and Junkanoo – all in the spirit of cultural celebration and education,” Clarke said. “We are most proud of our Caribbean Christmas pop-up display, which will ignite a feeling of excitement among our kids while they interact with old artifacts, including no longer used currency, old irons, chimmey, displays of Christmas treats, like black cake, punch a crème and other things that are unique to Caribbean Christmas.

“The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with your roots and culture,” he added. “Christmas Grand Market is important to keep Caribbean Christmas traditions and practices alive. Our audiences consistently say our Grand Market reminds them of their roots and childhood memories in the Caribbean.

“This event is a unique opportunity that connects Caribbean born elders and New York City-born youth through culture,” Clarke continued.