Belle Vue, Vieux-Fort, has been announced as one of the host communities for Jounen Kwéyòl and Creole Heritage Month, marking the sixth time it will play host to the national celebration of Saint Lucian culture.
This year’s observances will be held under the theme Kwéyòl Sé Fòs Nou (Creole Is Our Strength). Organisers say the programme is designed to showcase the island’s cultural traditions while entertaining audiences of all ages.
Tribute to Gregory Sinaise
The calendar of activities begins on September 28 with an open-air cultural show at the Belle Vue Combined School, starting at 2 p.m. The event will honour the legacy of Gregory Sinaise, a celebrated cadasse singer, whose contributions to the arts and culture of Saint Lucia are widely recognised.
Cultural and Culinary Highlights
Events continue through October, with highlights including:
- October 12: Jazz Jweenn Kwéyòl at the HRDC Grounds, 1 p.m.
- October 16: Konpetisyon Listwa Pou Mamnay (Storytelling Competition) at Belle Vue Combined School, 1 p.m.
- October 18: Konpetisyon Bouwi Manjé an Kwéyòl (Creole Cooking Competition) at HRDC Grounds, 1 p.m.
- October 19: Mizik an San Nou (Our Music) at Belle Vue Combined School Grounds, 4 p.m.
- October 24: Dinen Kouli épi Swaré Jwé Twadisyonèl (Creole Dinner and Traditional Games Night), from Vivacelle to Belle Vue Gap, 7 p.m.
- October 25: Gwan Séans La Woz at Bra and Shirley’s Place, 7 p.m.
- October 26: Jounen Kwéyòl – the main day of celebrations – at Belle Vue Central, starting at 5 a.m.
The Belle Vue Jounen Kwéyòl Committee has called on vendors interested in participating on Jounen Kwéyòl Day to contact Marvin Edward at 729-6912. Booths cost EC$300 each, with allocation on a first-pay, first-select basis.
Organizers describe Belle Vue as a community known for delivering an authentic and culturally rich experience during Creole Heritage Month. They say this year’s program is expected to uphold that reputation.
“The community of Belle Vue will be on full display for Creole Heritage Month,” the committee noted. “We are committed to delivering an exciting calendar of activities, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned as we get closer to celebrating our culture in the cultural capital of Saint Lucia.”
