Island Events
What’s happening in St Lucia October 2023?
Island Events
Creole Heritage Month in St. Lucia is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that takes place throughout the month of October. This month is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the island’s Creole culture. This culture has a blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. Here are some of the important highlights of Creole Heritage Month in St. Lucia:
Cuisine:
Food is a central aspect of Creole culture, and during this month, St. Lucians celebrate with traditional Creole dishes. You can expect to enjoy a variety of delicious meals, including dishes like green fig and saltfish, bouyon (a stew), callaloo (a leafy green vegetable dish), and accras (deep-fried fritters).
Salt Fish and Bakes
Music and Dance:
Music and dance are essential components of Creole heritage. You’ll find lively performances of traditional Creole music styles like zouk, soca, and calypso. Dance forms like the quadrille and bele are often showcased during this month, and locals and visitors alike join in the festivities.
Traditional Attire:
Many St. Lucians dress in traditional Creole attire during the celebrations. This often includes colorful madras fabric, headwraps, and other elements of Creole clothing. The head piece, known as the Tête en l’air or tèt anlè; is a square or rectangular piece of cloth worn over the forehead and folded to display varying numbers of peaks. The head scarf can be tied in a ceremonial fashion or can be worn to show the availability of the woman in courtship, depending on the number of peaks tied into it. One peak represents that the woman is single, two that she is married, three that she is widowed or divorced, and four that she is available!
Traditional Dress Madras
Language:
The Creole language, also known as Kweyol or Patois, plays a significant role in these celebrations. You’ll hear the language spoken and sung during various events, and there may even be language competitions and storytelling sessions.
Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day):
The pinnacle of Creole Heritage Month is Jounen Kwéyòl, which is celebrated on the last Sunday in October. This day is a grand cultural event where communities across St. Lucia come together to showcase their heritage. You can expect to see traditional crafts, art displays, and exhibitions that highlight the island’s history and culture. Additionally, there are typically parades, live performances, and culinary delights, making it a day of festivity and cultural pride.
Art and Crafts:
Many artisans create and display their traditional crafts during Creole Heritage Month. You’ll find handmade items such as baskets, pottery, jewelry, and artwork that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the island.
Community Involvement:
Creole Heritage Month is an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate their unique cultural identities. Each community often adds its own special touch to the celebrations, making the month a dynamic and diverse experience.
In summary Creole Heritage Month and Jounen Kwéyòl in St. Lucia provide an immersive experience for locals and visitors alike. Celebration, appreciation, and learning about the island’s rich Creole culture and traditions, is what it’s all about.
For more about St Lucia and its culture please click here