Bands will parade through the streets of Laborie on Monday, carrying the message of freedom and emancipation.

The community of  Laborie is finalizing plans for the hosting, of the second edition of  Laborie Freedom Mas.

The celebration is a festive commemoration of Emancipation Day and will be held on Monday, Aug. 1. It focuses on the historical roots of carnival in the Caribbean while creating opportunities for economic activity in the community.

Spearheaded by the Laborie Freedom Mas Committee under the Laborie Development Foundation, in collaboration with the Cultural Development Foundation,  Laborie Freedom Mas is a family-oriented event.

The masquerade begins  with the traditional J'Ouvert street party, which finds its origin in the celebration of emancipation from slavery in the Caribbean in 1834. In the afternoon, as many as five bands will parade through the streets of Laborie, carrying the message of freedom and emancipation.

The community of Laborie invites Saint Lucians and visitors alike to the event.