Minister for Tourism, Hon. Lorne Theophilus said that due to the significant turnout of young people, the future of the festival is alive and well.

La Woz (the Rose) groups island-wide assembled at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Saturday, to celebrate the Rose Flower Festival.

The event, celebrated in honor of Saint Rose of Lima, began with a church service and was marked by presentations from several La Woz groups, including chantwels (singers) and drummers.

Minister for Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, the Hon. Lorne Theophilus, noted the significant turnout of young people.

“It has been a major concern whether there would be continuity [of the flower festivals] in the years to come, but with so many young participants, it tells me that the future of the festival is alive and well and will be kept through the young people who are participating today.”

The minister also honored long serving members of the La Woz fraternity.

Father Michel Francis of the Archdiocese of Castries says the rarity of the festival must be cherished.

“We have two flower festivals that no other place in the world has. It is something we have to cherish and preserve. We thank God for that.”

Saint Rose of Lima, after whom the Feast is named, was a Spanish colonist in Peru who became known for her life of severe austerity and her care of the needy. Sahe was a lay member of the Dominican Order, and the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by the Catholic Church.