The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) wants Saint Lucians to show their cultural pride and support for La Magéwit, one of the island’s two traditional flower festivals, ahead of the main celebration on Saturday.
As part of the build-up to the annual La Magéwit Gwan Fèt, the CDF is inviting the public to participate in La Magéwit Colours Day on Friday, October 16, by incorporating blue or purple into their attire, whether at work, school or elsewhere.
CDF Executive Director Raymona Henry-Wynne said the festival represents an important part of Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage.
“La Magéwit is far more than an annual celebration; it is a treasured expression of Saint Lucia’s intangible cultural heritage, embodying our history, identity, creativity and national pride. As one of our two traditional flower festivals, it is our collective responsibility to preserve, promote and ensure the continued relevance of this important cultural tradition,” she said.
Henry-Wynne said initiatives such as La Magéwit Colours Day and Gwan Fèt are intended to extend the celebration beyond its traditional setting and encourage greater participation in schools, workplaces and communities.
“In particular, engaging our young people is critical to ensuring that this cherished tradition is not only celebrated today but sustained and passed on to future generations,” she pointed out.
The public is also encouraged to share photographs of their Colours Day attire or videos of themselves singing their favourite La Magéwit songs on social media and tag @cdfsaintlucia.
The celebrations continue on Saturday, October 17, with the annual La Magéwit Gwan Fèt in the Dennery Village from 10 a.m. with a church service at the Saint Peter’s Catholic Church. This will be followed by a parade through Dennery Village and the Gwan Fèt at the Dennery Multipurpose Centre grounds.
