Wednesday October 17 was observed here as “Fet La Magewit”. The lively celebration of the annual festival, also known as the Marguerite Flower Festival or Feast of St Marguerite Alacoque, was held this year in the southern town of Vieux Fort.
The event was organised by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) and the Folk Research Center (FRC) in collaboration with Events Saint Lucia and the Vieux Fort Town Council.
The involvement of many schools from the south of the island this year added to the vibrancy of the event. It also gave organisers hope that the culture is being successfully transferred to the next generation.
Wednesday’s event began with a church service at the Lady of the Assumption Church from 10 a.m. This was followed by a parade of the various groups through the town of Vieux Fort as spectators lined the streets to take in the spectacle.
The parade culminated at Independence Square, for the Gwan Fet La Magewit with the participation of schools from the south of the island as well as various groups.
The schools who took to the stage with performances in song and dance were the Laborie combined, Ti Rocher Combined and the Vieux Fort Infant School.
In speaking with St. Lucia Times, Drenia Frederick – Director, Events & Production at the CDF said that organizers were pleased to witness a resurgence of La Magewit in Vieux Fort and the focus on children.
“The La Magewit groups have undertaken a sort of task, to do a schools drive in the southern part of the island, going to schools in Laborie, Vieux Fort, Dennery, Micoud and so this is the result at this activity today,” Frederick said.
“The last three years the La Magewit groups through the schools have been pinning themselves with schools in order to ensure that there is this transmission that is continued,” she added.
A number of Magewit groups also performed Wednesday including groups from Derniere Riviere, Aux Lyons, Dennery, Laborie and Vieux Fort as well a group from L’association Sainte Lucie Territoire Francaise.
Saint Lucia’s Carnival Queen and reigning Ms. Jaycees Caribbean Shan Lucien performed a solo, while a number of La Magewit queens adorned their regal wear on the day.
One of them was Celeste Jn Baptiste the Laborie La Magewit queen who spoke to St. Lucia Times on the importance of observing and celebrating the flower festival.
“It is one of the unique features of our cultural landscape and we don’t want our heritage to die out with the older persons in our society,” Jn Baptiste said.
Jn Baptiste, who has been a queen for the past twelve years, said that it filled her heart with joy to see so many children participating this year.
“It means that even if I am tired and I am old that the younger ones are still here keeping the activity going,” she said.
In a statement, the CDF said that the festival fosters a sense of community, belonging, and pride and plays a significant role in the island’s larger celebration of Creole Heritage Month, showcasing Saint Lucia’s enduring cultural identity.
