Fest of Creole

Jounen Kwéyòl en Sent Lisi (Creole Day in Saint Lucia)

Hearing the sounds of bamboos bursting in my community at the end of September is reassurance that its’ the Creole season. Creole Day is not just a day but is weeks of cultural activities that distinguishes Saint Lucia from other countries.

Creole Day for me is waking up to the scent of the spices from my mom’s cocoa tea. How much I love eating her hot bakes and salt fish with cucumber salad to the side. Creole Day is filled with colours, food, different aromas, large crowds, round-de-island trips, street activities and bamboo bursting.

How can I forget playing tick-e-toc, Quadrille (the national dance of Saint Lucia) and folk dancing with musical concerts, beauty pageants, cultural exhibitions, promotional media campaigns, free food samples and Creole giveaways.

Floral Society

Celebrated on October 17^th in honour of the patron Saint Margaret Mary Alacocque is the Marguerite (La Magwit) festival. A grand fete occurs island wide with a church service where Marguerite members typically dress up in purple, sing traditional songs and parade through the communities. The rest of the evening is spent in a banquet where notables are invited. The Marguerite festival is a floral society in Saint Lucia that is incorporated into the Creole heritage month.

October sweet October

This is of course my birth month! October is recognized as Creole heritage month with festive cultural activities occurring throughout the island. These activities are based on Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage with African and French dialect, art exhibitions, portrayal of the national dress, music and most of all “FOOD!”

A calendar of activities is released yearly to celebrate the Creole season and the main Jounen Kwéyòl activity occurs the last Sunday in October. Different communities are selected to host the main event each year but most communities throughout the island engage in their own unique celebration.

Heritage

Saint Lucia is mixed with British, French, African and Caribbean cultures. The Creole language in Saint Lucia commenced during slavery as African slaves tried to communicate with each other. Neighbouring islands Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe also share the national heritage and culture. The Folk Research Centre (FRC) in Saint Lucia was established in 1973 as a non-profit voluntary association and has preserved the cultural heritage of Saint Lucia along with the Creole language. FRC ensures that information on Saint Lucia’s culture does not become extinct and is available for coming generations. FRC has been pivotal in helping Saint Lucians embrace their culture.

The Creole Language

Although Saint Lucia is seven times British and seven times French, the French influence has been more prominent in the country. The French controlled Saint Lucia for longer periods than the British during the 17^th and 18^th century. The French were more committed to settling and developing their culture more than their British counterparts so the Creole language remained on the island. The English language continues because the British won complete control over the land in 1814 until it became an Independent state in 1979. See my blog: what is #758? St. Lucia…sweet Saint Lucia (https://ourtropicalliving.com/what-is-758-st-luciasweet-saint-lucia/) for further reading on Saint Lucia.

Resurrection

French Creole commonly known as Patois or Kwéyòl is the mother tongue of many Saint Lucians. French Creole uses mostly French and French derived words with a small combination of English and gives more meaning to words and phrases. Publicly speaking in French Creole was once considered to be taboo and was generally associated with the lower class and the outskirts of the island. French Creole was not taught at schools but the language has recently gained acceptance especially with the rise of the “Dennery Segment” artists. These artists use the Creole language to better articulate their songs. Although French Creole is not spoken by all Saint Lucians, it is now considered to be island living. French Creole is now being taught at some schools and books are being published in the language to increase cultural development and national pride. There has also been a rise in television and radio broadcasting in French Creole.

So…what exactly is Bamboo bursting?

Bamboo bursting in Saint Lucia is common during New Years, the Christmas and Creole season. The bamboo plant is the national plant of Saint Lucia and although has many functions is commonly used as a cannon for bamboo bursting. A cannon is formed from a long and large bamboo where one end of the bamboo is left closed and the open end is elevated. A small hole is placed near the closed end and kerosene inserted in the hole and ignited with fire after blowing. A “boom” sound can be heard from the open end of the bamboo when it is fired even from miles away. It is customary that individuals compete in what is called the “loudest blast.” Individuals listen for the boom sound coming from the other side of the community and then respond by trying to create an even louder blast and boom as supporters cheer along. 

Creole Traditions

A coal pot is a device commonly used in Saint Lucia as a traditional way of cooking and uses charcoal instead of gas. I love the slow boil and added flavour food gets when cooked on a coal pot.

Place two rocks parallel to each other and add some sticks between the rocks then use dry leaf or the wood to ignite a flame. Be super careful and ensure that you do not ignite yourself. Who needs a cooking stove, island living is convenient and so much fun.

Common foods served during Creole Day

The national dish (green fig and salt fish), smoke herring with green fig or breadfruit, crab callaloo, bakes, crayfish, cassava, farine and avocado.

Common specialties are penmi (made with cornmeal, sweet potato and pumpkin), local bread, manicou (opossum), fish eggs, shrimps and lobster.

Of course bouillon made with either fish, meat or chicken with dumplings and ground provisions such as dasheen, plantain, yams and banana.  

Be sure to look out for souse (a soup made with pork and cucumber then added). Cocoa tea, local rum, local juice mainly cane, mangoes, golden apples, sour orange, guava, cherry and lime are on the top of the list for soothing drinks.

Have a sweet tooth, then expect sweet treats like guava cheese, coconut balls, coconut cake and gooseberry (seawet) jam.

Must See throughout the month of October

The national wear (the Wòb Dwiyèt and the Madras) being worn with other Creole varieties such as plaid clothing

Local businesses showcasing their talent and local products

Individuals eating from a calabash (the national tree of Saint Lucia)

Persons coming in from around the world to enjoy the activity

A queue of tents with vendors displaying their specialties and serving different menus

Reems

Our Tropical Living

Come live and love island life

Please note that this blog post is not by any means sponsored and the information presented is based on knowledge, experience and research.

Reference:

Harmsen, J., Ellis, G., & Devaux. R (2014). A history of st lucia. Vieux Fort. Lighthouse Road Publications.

Press Release (2019, September 30). Creole heritage month calendar of activities. The Star. Retrieved from https://stluciastar.com/creole-heritage-month-calendar-of-activities/