[dropcap]P[/dropcap]reparations for Saint Lucia’s biggest cultural festival are in an advanced stage. Under the direction of the Folk Research Centre (FRC), the most widely celebrated cultural event in Saint Lucia, Jounen Kwéyòl, will this year take place on Sunday, 29th October.
The celebration of Arts and Creole Heritage Month begins with a launch of the activity on Sunday, 24th September at the Vieux Fort Square. A church service in Kwéyòl will herald the celebration followed by a parade of Creole groups from the church to the square accompanied by Séwénal music. At the square will be the ambiance of a mini Jounen Kwéyòl festival with displays of Creole technologies, vending and entertainment. Throughout the month of October (recognized as Arts and Creole Heritage Month), activities will be held by host communities to include the Icon Series, Fèt Magwit, Lawenn Kwéyòl pageant, Jennès pageant, Ditè Kwéyòl, Woulélaba, Fèsten Tanbou and a Kwéyòl Music Fiesta. There will also be art exhibitions, an artist market, music, storytelling and a poetry fiesta.
Jounen Kwéyòl, which is the brainchild of the Folk Research Centre, is celebrated in recognition of Jounen Kwéyòl Entonnasyonal (International Creole Day) observed on October 28th annually.
The event aims to make Saint Lucian society aware of the strength and value of the Kwéyòl language and to assist in the understanding, preservation and development of its rich cultural resources.
The four host communities for Creole Heritage Month/Jounen Kwéyòl 2017 are Babonneau; Vieux Fort; La Ressource, Dennery, and Marigot.
