The 18th International Charles Town Maroon Conference and Festival opens today in Portland under the theme ‘Resilience: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’, and runs until June 23.

What began in 2009 largely as an academic gathering — with Maroon culture and entertainment on the periphery under the leadership of the late Colonel Frank Lumsden — has evolved into a major showcase of Maroon history and culture, drawing visitors from across the world.

Saturday is billed as ‘Taino Day’ and ‘Comm-Unity Day’. Proceedings begin early with Yucahuna Kachi Areito, a Taino ritual that includes connecting with animal relatives, the lighting of the sacred fire, the celebration of the life-force energy of the male spirit of fertility, and the singing of Yamaye Taino songs, among other elements.