The Monsignor Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC) is hosting two visiting cultural groups from Francophonie countries, offering Saint Lucians an opportunity to experience and appreciate the rich cultural traditions of French Guiana and Guadeloupe.
TOE LOBIE ASSOCIATION
The first group to arrive was the TOE LOBIE Association. Its members belong to the Samaka community, which is of Surinamese origin. Having crossed the border from Suriname into French Guiana, the community has maintained its Surinamese roots and continues to practise its traditional dialect, despite being considered citizens of French Guiana.
On Wednesday, October 21, members of the Toe Lobie Association visited the C.A.R.E. School in Odsan. During the visit, they performed traditional dances and demonstrated traditional embroidery and calabash engraving to students, providing them with an opportunity to learn and appreciate the group’s cultural heritage.
ÉCLATSD’OR DUGOSIER
The second visiting group comes from Guadeloupe and is a member of FREGAQ (Fédération de Quadrille de Guadeloupe). The association promotes Guadeloupean heritage through a variety of dance, cultural and sporting activities.
ÉCLATS D’OR DU GOSIER specialises in several forms of quadrille, including Quadrille au Commandement, Quadrille à la Reprise, Quadrille de Vieux-Fort and Quadrille de Marie-Galante. Its repertoire also includes traditional dances such as the biguine and the waltz.
Both groups performed at selected venues across Saint Lucia on Jounén Kwéyòl Day, Sunday, October 25, giving members of the public an opportunity to experience the diverse cultural traditions represented by the visiting delegations.
The groups will also perform at the National Cultural for the celebration of International Creole Day on Wednesday October 28, 2026.
The FRC welcomes these visiting groups and encourages the public to take advantage of this opportunity to experience and celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches the wider Francophone and Creole world.