AN amazing Easter Kite Flying Festival is scheduled for April 21 (Easter Monday) at Pigeon Point, with stakeholders actively marketing the event.
A network of cultural activists is working to grow the kite flying activity on the island as part of a dynamic relationship between the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) and Excess Production. The organizers said the festival aims to promote Saint Lucia’s arts and culture.
The Easter Kite Flying Festival is part of the CDF’s Arts and the City Project, which is promoted during the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.
On Wednesday, stakeholders, instructors, and students gathered at the CDF for an interactive session centered on the Kite Building Workshop and Festival. Tracy Dolcy, CDF’s Director of Training, Promotions, and Development, underlined the need for stakeholder participation on this effort.
“We proudly participate in this initiative that celebrates one of our most cherished traditions while ensuring we pass on this valuable cultural practice to the next generation,” Dolcy said.
She stated, “The development of Saint Lucia’s culture and artistic expression lies at the heart of CDF’s mission. We are dedicated to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage.”
The organizers emphasize kite flying as a global activity and state that Saint Lucia has aggressively pushed it for over 22 years to involve more young people in the art.
Training is an essential part of the city’s creative project. In this regard, the CDF, in collaboration with partners, held workshops to teach students from various elementary schools the principles of the sport.
Dolcy stated, “We are pleased to support this workshop as it exemplifies our mission.” Kite flying, especially during Easter, carries deep cultural and religious significance in Saint Lucia.”
She clarified: “It transcends being merely a fun activity; it connects us to our history, fosters creativity, and unites our communities in celebration.”
Dolcy compared the Kite Festival to the scriptural meaning of resurrection during Easter, adding, “Kites symbolize Christ’s rising, and since Saint Lucia is predominantly Christian, flying kites on Easter Monday represents them soaring into the sky.”
Dolcy stressed the importance of these workshops in raising awareness and providing significant hands-on experience in building and flying kites, citing their success at the previous ‘Aqua Action’ extravaganza.
She praised Excess Production for their tireless efforts in organizing the training. The three-day program began on Wednesday and ended on Friday, with courses delivered to pupils from various schools across the island.
Dolcy stated that the workshop has grown from the north to the south of the island, currently involving students from Laborie Primary School, Beane Field Secondary School, Micoud Secondary School, and a number of other institutions.
Excess Production has made substantial contributions to the kite festival, having grown from the original Excess Energy Carnival Band to offer a variety of cultural activities to its youthful members.
Mark Louis, Excess Production’s creator and official, described the event as a ‘fun-friendly family’ project that has grown in popularity over time. He mentioned that Saint Lucia has recently joined the World Kite Flying Association, which is a terrific outdoor pastime that fosters social connections.
Louis went on: “This collaboration to celebrate Excess Production’s 22nd anniversary of the Easter Kite Flying Festival positions us to expand this initiative in the future, aspiring for it to become a national activity.”
He stressed the popularity of kite flying, stating, “There is a global association of kite-flyers that extends beyond Saint Lucia and the Caribbean, with significant events also taking place in Guyana.”
He thanked Sandals Resorts for their great assistance in hosting the Kite Flying event on their premises for the previous 22 years.
Louis also acknowledged other corporate sponsors such as LUCELEC, Massy Stores, and numerous businesses for their ongoing support of this effort. He emphasized how kite-flying worldwide events may motivate both enthusiasts and participants.
A teaching representative from Monchy Primary School stated that the school holds Cultural Fridays every week, and kite flying has been added to the program schedule.
On Wednesday, students engaged in outdoor workouts on the CDF grounds. Eli Parkinson, an art aficionado, and other partners helped children learn how to fly kites.
Carla Chiquot, Training, Development, and Events Officer of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), stated, “The Cultural Development Foundation continues to soar to new heights in its mission to promote and develop arts and culture.”