It was a magnificient display of colour and the vibe throughout the entire three-hour event was just as strong as the category-four hurricane winds that sometimes ravage our beautiful island paradise. - photo by Dellmar

Sunday, March 11 will go down in history as the day when all Jamaicans felt proud to be seen by some many television viewers worldwide in such a positive light.

All nine islands hosting ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 matches were represented in a showcase of the best of their talents. And the culture of the 16 participating nations was also evident - whether they be soul-reaching African drummers or white clad umbrella-twirling English ladies.

If you missed any of the action, here are some pictorial highlights for you.

One of many colourful dance routines that featured costumes and dancers from around the islands. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

The Jamaica Military Band opened the spectacular show with a suite of island favourites including 'Island in the Sun', 'Sly Mongoose', 'Waltzing Matilda', 'Sammy Dead' and 'Rally Round de West Indies'. The latter sent the crowd wild. - photos by Dellmar

A section of the huge crowd that turned out to witness first-hand the historic opening ceremony of the ninth ICC Cricket World Cup, held in Trelawny, on Sunday, March 11. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

There were over 2000 performers, among them dancers whose routines depicted the varied cultures of all participating countries. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

One of the colourful costumes from this year's Trinidad Carnival.