The month-long celebration is designed to highlight Saint Lucia’s cultural icons, technologies, artifacts and traditional way of life.

The Folk Research Centre (FRC) has dubbed the month of October, Mwa Ewitaj Kwéyòl (Creole Heritage Month.)

Executive Director of the Folk Research Centre, Hilary LaForce said the month-long celebration serves to heighten Saint Lucian’s awareness about their heritage, Kwéyòl (Creole) language, and traditions, which will lead to an understanding and appreciation of their culture.

“We’ve been hosting Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day) activities in several different communities over the years,” he said. “To date, we have held celebrations in 28 different communities. Since then, we thought that it would be more fitting to observe an entire month rather than just a day of activities, and during that time we have a number of activities planned.”

Mr. LaForce is calling on Saint Lucians and visitors alike to participate in the celebrations.

“We use the opportunity that Creole Heritage Month provides to educate our people,’ he said. “What we do by way of education is to encourage persons to recognize cultural icons in their community, bring back some particular area of activity that is unique to that community, exhibit what we call technologies, and showcase artifacts and various items which are being used in the community.”

Mr. La Force said such activities within communities are important as they serve to keep traditions alive.

This year, Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations on will take place in four host communities—Anse La Raye, Dennery, Monchy and Vieux-Fort—on Sunday, Oct. 26.