Today, Antigua and Barbuda will observe United Nations World Steel Pan Day by hosting a Block-o-Rama in St. John’s.

The Cultural Unit within the Ministry of Education and Creative Industries will organize the event to commemorate World Steel Pan Day 2023 on August 11th.

The Block-o-Rama will take place from 12 noon to 2 pm on Redcliffe Street, between Corn Alley and Market Street.

The UN General Assembly passed a resolution with co-sponsorship from 27 member states to declare August 11th as World Steelpan Day.

The steelpan movement has created links to the arts, tourism, culture, education, science, technology, and engineering sectors, making it a significant musical instrument.

The steelpan has cross-border recognition and contributes to sustainable development, positively impacting gender equality, mental health, youth empowerment, socio-economic development, and sustainability.

Antigua and Barbuda have a long history with Trinidad and Tobago and the steelpan community worldwide, dating back to the middle 1940s.

The steelpan has become an integral component of the Antiguan and Barbudan cultural identity.

The Block-o-Rama will feature sweet pan music from some of the best steel orchestras across the country, including West Side Steel Orchestra, Panache Steel Orchestra, Halcyon Steel Orchestra, CUB Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, Pannist Amarni Gomes, and many more. Pan enthusiasts and other spectators are welcome to attend.