This national holiday, instituted in 1996, honors an African-American religious sect once outlawed in Trinidad and Tobago. The Spiritual Baptists originally came to the islands as former American slaves. Their style of worship combines African and Baptist beliefs and practices, and services include bell ringing and shouting. In 1917, the government forbade the group from practicing their religion; this law was overturned in 1951. The national holiday honors the Spiritual Baptists' long struggle against religious persecution. It is observed with speeches and religious services. Discussfrom Today's Holiday http://ift.tt/1WWDow7
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