The rhythms of emancipation month reached a crescendo on Saturday, August 30, with the Grande Fête Lawòz in Laborie, a celebration of Saint Lucia’s enduring flower festival tradition.
Held on the Laborie playing field, the annual Lawòz Festival honours Saint Rose of Lima and is one of two flower festivals deeply rooted in Saint Lucian heritage. With origins over a century old, Lawòz carries a strong African influence, especially in its music, where drums remain a central heartbeat.
Festivities began with a spirited church service at the Church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, led by Father Ignatius Cetoute and enriched by musical and spiritual offerings from Lawòz groups. The celebration then spilled into the streets with a vibrant parade, culminating in stage presentations on the playing field.
This year’s participants hailed from Vieux Fort North, Monchy, Choiseul, Mon Repos, Aux Lyon, Grande Rivière, Lacourville (Micoud South), Desruisseaux, Laborie, and the Saint Lucia/French Association. Their performances blended lively music with colourful pageantry, featuring costumed portrayals of kings, queens, nurses, doctors, judges, soldiers and police.
Youth involvement was especially notable, signalling that Lawòz is not only alive, but thriving. The tradition is clearly being passed down with pride and purpose.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Laborie MP Alva Baptiste, Taiwanese Ambassador Nicole Y.C. Su, and Raymona Henry-Wynne, executive director of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF).
Lawòz is not simply a festival, said Henry-Wynne. “It is a living tradition that continues to unite generations, strengthen communities, and showcase the essence of Saint Lucia’s identity.”
