At this St. Lucian festival, Creoles celebrate age-old African culture that survived slavery and colonisation

Known as the only country in the world to be named after a historical female figure, St Lucia’s population is about 90 per cent African and mixed African with the rest of the 10 per cent being of British, West Indian and French origin. Like many other Islands in the Caribbean, the island had many enslaved Africans working in harsh conditions and under brutal owners.

St Lucia remains a travel destination for several tourists all year round and its ministry of tourism is working hard at promoting other parts of its culture to create diversity.

One of such aspect of its culture is the Jounen Kweyol festival, which has grown to become St Lucia’s biggest event with the highest turn out of participants.

ounen Kweyol is an annual festival that takes place every year in October. The festival celebrates African culture and traditions that have survived slavery and colonization. It has been marked yearly since  1984 when it was held at the Folk Research Center, established in 1973 to help restore pride and study in African heritage and culture.

While celebrating their African roots and culture, the Creoles in St Lucia are very much aware that many practices have been heavily influenced by both French and British way of life. Unlike other societies that prefer not to acknowledge this fact,  St Lucia natives not only admit but also celebrate this influence as it adds a level of uniqueness to their culture.

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