Creole Heritage Month Launched

THE grounds of the Folk Research Centre (FRC) at Mount Pleasant could have easily been mistaken for an actual Jounen Kwéyòl venue at last Sunday’s official launch of Creole Heritage Month.

Creole Heritage Month (or Mwa Ewitaj Kwéyòl) is observed in October each year with several activities held across the island, including the La Marguerite flower festival, Jounen Kwéyòl Entonnasyonal (International Creole Day) on October 28, Lawenn Kwéyòl, and Jounen Kwéyòl.

This year, Creole Heritage Month will be observed under the theme, “Kité Kwéyòl Maché”, and as in previous years seek to foster increased awareness and appreciation of and for the island’s cultural heritage, language and traditions. Patrons also got the opportunity to tour the FRC’s museum where cultural items are displayed.

During Sunday’s official launch, some of the activities synonymous with a Jounen Kwéyòl event were present: food, music, arts and craft, bamboo bursting and wood cutting. Three of this year’s contestants for the Lawenn Kwéyòl Pageant also introduced themselves to the public.

Meanwhile, preparations are progressing in earnest in anticipation of this year’s Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day) scheduled for Sunday, October 30 in four host communities: Gros Islet, Choiseul, Jacmel and Belle Vue (Vieux Fort).

First held in Mon Repos in 1984, this year marks the 32nd anniversary of the hosting of Jounen Kwéyòl. Due to the passage of Hurricane Tomas in 2010, the event was cancelled.