The project is driven by fears of cultural dilution and aims to reconnect younger generations with their rich history. Local experts and practitioners are combing through personal narratives and practices to maintain essential Antiguan identity amidst external influences. For many, this is not just about food; it’s about life, culture, and the preservation of a unique Caribbean identity.
As passionate conversations around flavors and techniques continue, many elders, like Novella Payne with her "Granma Aki" brand, carry forward traditional practices while breathing new life into them. Right alongside her are artisans like Dwight Benjamin, who clings to his family's legacy of broom-making—a true reflection of the blend of heritage with the present.
Through this cultural inventory, the islands are rediscovering not just their recipes but also affirming their identity through a lens rooted deeply in African heritage. The project represents not only a preservation of flavors but of the very essence of what it means to be Antiguan.
As the discussion over how to prepare "ducana" stirs anew, it’s clear that the heart of Antigua and Barbuda is rich with stories worth being shared and preserved.
As passionate conversations around flavors and techniques continue, many elders, like Novella Payne with her "Granma Aki" brand, carry forward traditional practices while breathing new life into them. Right alongside her are artisans like Dwight Benjamin, who clings to his family's legacy of broom-making—a true reflection of the blend of heritage with the present.
Through this cultural inventory, the islands are rediscovering not just their recipes but also affirming their identity through a lens rooted deeply in African heritage. The project represents not only a preservation of flavors but of the very essence of what it means to be Antiguan.
As the discussion over how to prepare "ducana" stirs anew, it’s clear that the heart of Antigua and Barbuda is rich with stories worth being shared and preserved.
