TCI: TCHTA Maskanoo is set for Boxing Day!

#Providenciales, 12 December, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The 9th annual Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Associations (TCHTA) Maskanoo Extravaganza is set to be one of the biggest celebrations of the year with vibrant colors and cultural performances attracting a record crowd to the Grace Bay Strip on Providenciales.

Come December 26th –Boxing Day, the street will come alive with heart-pounding drums, whistles, horns, and cowbells as the country revels in its iconic cultural celebration.

Launched by cultural enthusiast David Bowen in 2010 and supported by the TCHTA, the annual cultural celebration has consistently drawn a large crowd from all over the island to enjoy the festive street parade featuring local music, food, performances and fun for all ages.

“Maskanoo has become a holiday tradition as well as a cultural icon for our residents and tourists alike,” said Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, “and this year, thanks to the generous support from the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourist Board, VIP Flyers Club and IGA Supermarkets, we are able to bring the annual celebration back for a 9th year.”

Cox also admits that while the annual extravaganza will take place, the organization has seen a sharp decline in financial support and sponsorship. As such, she is extending an invitation to all members of the private and public sectors to join forces with the Association to make this iconic cultural event even bigger in 2020.

“Maskanoo is ours, it’s for our culture and our country, but it requires support and sponsorship to put on a show of this caliber.” She said, “We humbly encourage everyone to look for ways to sustain and grow this festival for next year and the years to come.”

David Bowen also expressed his sentiments for support and said that the festival has grown and has become the fiber of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “The key here is to get the community and stakeholders more involved. Maskanoo is expanding, it’s getting bigger and bigger each year and there is still a lot that the community can do to support the event and it requires support and commitment through sponsorships,” he said.

“This year we promise to deliver a great event, we have great entertainment for the lineup, and it will be an amazing show.”

The show kicks off at 3:00 pm on Grace Bay Road with the TCI’s hottest DJ , Pro Vision, Q-Band Lynks featuring Tess, Raj the Entertainer, Karl Lewis, the Ripsaw All-Stars and more rocking the crowd. In addition to the headline entertainment, there will be cultural displays, dancing, native craft vendors, children’s treats, food vendors, food trucks, including the popular Turks Head truck, and giveaways galore!

Cox stressed that the security of both residents and visitors is a priority and encourages persons to come and celebrate without worry. “One of the things that we take most seriously is security. As usual, the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force will be out in full effect along with officers of the Dove security firm. We are also adding additional manpower to our security team for this year’s event.”

The TCHTA CEO reminds residents that the Grace Bay Road between Salt Mills and the Seven Stars Resort will be closed off from 11:00 am to facilitate setup for the event.

Sponsors for this year’s TCHTA Maskanoo celebration include All TCHTA member hotels, The Ministry of Tourism and Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board along with several businesses on the Grace Bay Strip.

For more information or to register as a Maskanoo 2020 Sponsor, please contact the TCHTA Office at #52 Salt Mills Plaza in Grace Bay at 339-5787.

Release: TCHTA