The final weekend of Kweyol Heritage Month is quickly approaching, as Saint Lucians prepare for the grand Jounen Kweyol celebrations on Sunday October 27.
Over the years, Jounen Kweyol activities, under the auspices of the Folk Research Centre (FRC), have sought to engender a sense of national pride and appreciation for our (French) Creole Heritage.
Activities have included the singing and dancing of traditional songs, the playing of traditional games and the preparation of local and traditional food and beverages among other things.
Jounen Kweyol is also a period which has seen an increase in activity within the creative sector, including the recording of a number of Kweyol songs and the creation of fashionable Kweyol wear.
This growing trend of Jounen Kweyol fashion, which infuses the madras and in some cases African prints, promises to be no different this year.
Last weekend vending areas in the city, particularly the Boulevard and Jeremie Street, were humming with vendors peddling their creole ware. From dresses, shirts, pants, skirts and hats to accessories such as earrings, bracelets, handbags and purses- they were all up for sale.
One of the vendors we spoke with told St. Lucia Times that so far this year, business has been good since she started selling Kweyol clothing two weeks ago on the William Peter Boulevard in Castries.
“This weekend we have seen an increase in sales, especially with parents coming to look for something for their children to wear at school next week for their schools activity,” Sophia told us. “But you know already. Saint Lucians are usually last minute and I expect just like Christmas, there will be a rush next weekend a few days before Jounen Kweyol with everyone looking for something to wear,” she added.
Among the growing trend as well, are creative T-shirts with catchy Kweyol phrases and designs. One vendor who caught our attention near Blue Coral Mall had shirts with the image of a pig with a blurb saying “Ma Bon Isi a Pyes.” Another portrayed a manicou, with the words “I Sanm Mwen Kay Mort Jodi-a.” The manicou and pork are popular meats during this period.
Clendon Biscette of Full Spectrum Designs did the original designs for Tee Tingz, which also included phrases such as “Kweyol La Vivan Tojoun,” we were informed.
The proprietress of Tee Tingz told St. Lucia Times that the T-Shirts have been doing very well so far and are a good and affordable option for those who do not want the full madras wear.
The run up to Jounen Kweyol this week will see the Derek Walcott Square being transformed into a Kweyol village with vendors and creatives making available Kweyol wear for sale.
This is the 40th observance of Jounen Kweyol and the main host communities are Dennery, Mon Repos and Anse La Raye. However, activities are expected in several other communities across the island.