Preparations are underway for the staging of the second of Saint Lucia's two flower festivals, La Marguerite.

Dating back across generations, Saint Lucia's flower festivals La Rose (La Wòz) and La Marguerite (La Magwit) are the invention of the peasant class who staged a parody of elaborate pageantry reminiscent of the European court. A 'King’ and a 'Queen’ preside over every society which is comprised of mock princes, princesses, military, legal and service personnel. Groups hold weekly song-filled séances—all night singing and dancing sessions—where drinks are sold and various games played. The central figure at the séance is the chantwelle/ chanteur (lead singer) who sustains the spirit and tenor of the evening’s entertainment.

The 2016 La Marguerite activities began on Sep. 16 with a series of séances to be hosted in the communities of Derniere Riviere, Laborie, Richfond, Aux Leon, Dennery and Vieux Fort. On Oct. 9, the Laborie La Magwit group will honor its elder members at a church service and presentation ceremony. The flower festival will culminate in a Gwan Fet in Dennery, which includes a church service, a street parade, and cultural presentations and performances.

La Marguerite is the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, observed on Oct. 17 each year.

The feast of St. Rose de Lima, La Rose (La Wòz), was observed earlier this year on Aug. 30. 

The 2016 La Marguerite events schedule is attached below.