HISTORICAL SUMMARY: VIRGIN ISLANDS HISTORY UNLEASHED British Virgin Islands History relies so much on our EMANCIPATION FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES cultural inheritance and the things our ancestors have left inbedded in our minds, souls and hearts. Music, AND CULTURAL ICONS Dance, Language, Foods, Cultural Wear and so much more. BVI EMANCIPATION The Abolition of Slavery Act of 1833 took eect 1st August 1834. In the British Virgin Islands, Emancipation August Tuesday Horse Races Miss BVI Pageant is celebrated by a three day Public Holiday, comprised of three days (the rst Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August). This year the holidays fall on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of August 2020. The original Emancipation Proclamation can be found hanging on the wall at Territorial Dish - Fish and Fungi Mount Healthy Wind Mill the High Court. The Sunday Morning Well in Road Town is a Landmark for where the Emancipation Proclamation was read in 1834. It is also a popular Historical Site. Many people living in the territory do not know much about their history, or should I say, Our History but they engage in the celebrations surrounding the events that it is comprised of. Let us rejoice in our Cultural Past but ensure that our knowledge and Sharing thereof is accurate and lasts. BVI Sloop BVI Territorial Wear COMMONWEALTH DAY Formerly called “Empire Day” until 1958 when it was SLAVERY ABOLISHED IN BRITISH EMPIRE changed, it is observed by member states of the Commonwealth of Nations on the second Monday in 1807 – Slave trade abolished in British Empire no March, including in British Virgin Islands, where the slaves carried from Africa in British ships. Queen of the United Kingdom still appoints the 1834 – Emancipation Act: Slaves under six years old national Governor. The main observance on were freed; eld hands over six worked for owners for 6 Commonwealth Day takes place in England, in more years; house slaves worked ten more years. Westminster Abbey, where the Queen gives a speech Britain gave 20 million pounds in compensation to before representatives of all the Commonwealth former slave owners and slaves received nothing. nations. Every four years, she also commences a 1838 – All slaves given complete freedom baton relay that will not end until the opening of the Slavery in USA not abolished until 1865 next Commonwealth Games. .