A spectacle like no other — Mwa Ewitaj Kwéyòl (Creole Heritage Month) was officially launched on September 30, 2025, under the theme Kwéyòl Sé Fòs Nou, which translates to “creole is our strength”. True to its roots, the launch was a cultural immersion in itself, taking the form of a theatrical production where song, dance, and storytelling came together to unveil the national calendar of events.
This year’s official lineup includes signature events such as the Woulelaba Festival, the La Wenn Kwéyòl Pageant, Jounen Kwéyòl, and international observance of Creole Day.
As previously announced, Babonneau and Belle Vue will serve as the host communities for the national Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations, each presenting a robust calendar of cultural events throughout October. But this year, communities apart from the host ones are urged to host their own fringe events.
“We also want to encourage the various communities to have their own Creole heritage celebrations in their own way, because you’d appreciate that some of the communities have their own practices, their own style, their own flavour,” said Guibion Ferdinand, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries.
Belle Vue leads the way
While the national launch was held on September 30, Belle Vue had already taken the lead, kicking off its celebrations early with a heartfelt tribute to legendary folk and cadasse singer Gregory Sinaise.
Sinaise, a two-time winner of the National Creole Singing Competition and a proud native of Belle Vue, was honoured in a cultural concert on September 28 — two days before the national festivities began. The event, though coinciding with a major political rally in Vieux Fort South, drew a strong and meaningful turnout from the community.
“We believe in celebrating the contributions of individuals, not when they have passed away. What made us very happy about this activity is that Gregory Sinaise was satisfied… He realised that the entire community came together to say thank you, we appreciate you,” said Kendal Elva, spokesperson for the Belle Vue Jounen Kwéyòl Committee.
‘What makes us unique’
Unlike Saint Lucia’s other large-scale festivals like Jazz and Carnival, Jounen Kwéyòl thrives primarily on local participation. It’s an occasion that brings communities together in celebration of shared identity, language, and history.
Former Executive Director of the Folk Research Centre Louise Victor issued a clarion call for all Saint Lucians to embrace their heritage this month, not just in celebration but in reflection.
“I believe for every Saint Lucian, it is important to participate in not just Creole Heritage Month activities but what is ours as Saint Lucians. Creole Heritage Month has a special type of grounding that it gives to you… Even if you don’t know the context or the history, by being exposed, by participating, it’s an opportunity to learn. It’s an opportunity to question. It’s an opportunity to ponder.”
According to Ferdinand, the government has remained committed to sustaining and growing cultural identity through deliberate funding and support.
“From the time we assumed office, we made sure we provided the resources and in consecutive years we have increased our support for Creole heritage, Emancipation, flower festivals and all of the events surrounding our identity,” he concluded.
As October unfolds, all Saint Lucians, at home and abroad, are encouraged to participate in their community’s activities, learn something new, and most importantly, celebrate the resilience, creativity, and identity that make us who we are.
Kwéyòl Sé Fòs Nou.
