Performance artists from Grenada and the US Virgin Islands are to join in the Bermuda International Gombey Festival this weekend.

The bright-coloured Shortknee, from Grenada, wear a wire screen mask over a whitened face and perform rhythmic stomping with bells around their ankles.

Moko Jumbies, from the US Virgin Islands, walk on stilts up to 15ft high. Both are viewed as symbols of history, culture, and heritage in their home countries.

They will join Bermuda’s Gombeys in performing at the Bermuda International Gombey Festival Showcase at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, from 5pm to 9pm.

Bermuda Donquili, a local group set up to perpetuate the traditional drum beats and dances of West Africa, will add to the multicultural angle at the four-day event which begins tomorrow.

Michael Weeks, the social development minister, said: “I want to encourage the public to come out and enjoy this dazzling, energetic, cultural display.

“To have so many of the troupes gather together in celebration of our proud heritage is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The Gombey Festival is held every year to provide continued exposure to folk art traditions.

The troupes are a blend of Bermuda’s African, Caribbean, native American and British cultures. Mr Weeks said: “The traditions have been passed down orally from one generation to the next within families and the captains of each troupe determine the direction of the troupe and style that is taught.

“Thus within troupes there can be found subtle but distinct differences in beats, dances, costumes, headdresses, by which they can each be recognised.

“Freedom dance, junkanoo, cockfights, biblical stories, slow dance, fast dance, snake dance, and rushing back are all elements to watch for when observing a Gombey performance.”

The festival will also include:

• Made in Bermuda Nights: Gombey Festival Edition, at Fort Hamilton, tomorrow, from 7pm to 11pm

• Dance of the Diaspora: Gombey Festival Film Showcase on Friday, at Specialty Cinema, on Friday, from 6pm

• Gombeys and Traditions of the Diaspora: A Symposium, at CedarBridge Academy Cafeteria, on Sunday, from 2pm to 4pm