Santa Comes To Jamestown

Christmas on St Helena is a big deal, although not in such a commercial way as in the UK.  It is certainly not in the way that is illustrated in the popular UK press of young out of control revellers making a total embarrassment of themselves.

The shops do stock up on chocolates, nuts and many other sinful treats which probably left the UK in August to get here in time for the retail rush.  There are queues outside the vegetable stands and supermarket check outs and parking in Jamestown in December is impossible!  

A more innocent and playful side to Christmas is revealed in the weeks up to the big day by a variety of events s where adults and children embrace the spirit of Christmas.  There are carol services in the numerous churches and halls across the island, a pantomime and the parades.

One of the most important events is the Jamestown festival of light. 

It is loved by old and young alike and is one of the most popular events of the year with most of the island turning out to participate as part of the parade or as an enthusiastic spectator.

The parade is about light.  Anything that can have light or glowing neon attached will have it.  There are floats, cars, bikes and even people decked out in glorious flashing luminous decorations!  The parade starts at the top of town and meanders down to finish in the castle parade square around two to three hours later.

Lucky for us 2onMain is right in the main stretch of the town giving us and our guests for the evening a great view of the parade.  We even had Santa give us a wave and a cheer!  The pictures only show some of the great goings on as we were also trying to maintain some order in the kitchen by continuing the food service although a bit difficult when not only your staff but the customers are outside the building lining the pavements and cheering!

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So it’s a very merry Christmas to all from St Helena, my second Christmas over here. 

In the meantime, this video is worth watching. 

West Jet  over in Canada created it and it’s a fine example of great customer service!    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIEIvi2MuEk

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ST HELENA

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