Bumper crowds flocked to Horseshoe Beach yesterday for the annual Good Friday kite festival while Christians across the Island remembered the crucifixion of Christ.

High winds made kite flying a little tricky as local families mixed with visitors among the thousands at Horseshoe for the United Bermuda Party?s kite party.

The winds were so strong that the bouncy castle was cancelled, but the showers forecast for the day held off and there was sunshine for part of the day.

Meanwhile, sports fans turned up at the National Stadium for the opening of the Carifta Games, the first time the Caribbean athletics competition has been in Bermuda since 1980.

St. George?s drew crowds for the annual inter-denominational Good Friday procession re-enacting the Passion of Christ.

As in previous years, Eugene Wainwright played Christ, as pilgrims followed Jesus? last hours on a route from Ebenezer Methodist Church, Richard Allen AME, the Unfinished Church, Stella Maris, St. Peter?s and Ordnance Island.

And, at St. Mark?s Church in Smiths, children of parishioners also re-enacted the Passion, with James Waddell playing Jesus.

In Catholic Churches, parishioners attended Stations of Cross ? commemorating Christ?s road to Calvary on his final day ? and re-enactments of the Passion.

Visitors and Bermudians also flocked to a packed Horseshoe Beach to enjoy the kite flying, sample fishcakes, and entertainment from Spanish Town and the BDA All-Stars steel band.

In a fun tug-of-war contest, a team of UBP MPs, senators and candidates were beaten by a group of all-comers.

Few people were swimming because the seas were rough, although one six-year-old boy was unlucky enough to be stung by a Portuguese Man-o-War and had to be treated by paramedics from the Fire Service.

UBP leader Dr. Grant Gibbons said: ?The weather has held up pretty well for us after it was cancelled last year.

?It?s little bit breezy for kites but there are a few up in the air. I leave flying kites to my kids these days. It?s an expertise I?ve passed on and I?m just a consultant now,? he joked.

?We?re very encouraged by the turnout out and I?ve talked to quite a few visitors from Britain, Canada and the United States, and they think its a great day and wish they had something like this back home.?

Linda Hines from Devonshire was enjoying fishcakes with her daughters Taylor (2) and Jaylynn (9), and friends Kenya Thompson (10) and Sarafina Woolridge.

?It?s great fun, although it?s a little sandy,? said Mrs. Hines after the girls all managed to fly their kites.

Kathryn Reichert from Ocala, Florida, who was visiting her daughter here on a two-week holiday, said: ?I?m very much enjoying it.

?I just love Bermuda and I just love going about everywhere on the buses and ferries.?

Louise Smallwood of Surrey in England, was visiting her brother on a holiday with husband Peter and children Thomas (8), Oliver (6), and Edward (3).

?It?s absolutely lovely, although it is a bit windy,? she said.

?We lost one kite then found it again. We will definitely be back to Bermuda.?