The annual celebration in October started over 30 years ago, and has become one of the most widely celebrated cultural activities in Saint Lucia.

The Folk Research Centre (FRC) officially launched Creole Heritage Month on Tuesday. The theme for Creole Heritage Month 2015 is “Forward with our culture, knowing our heritage.”

Executive Director of the Folk Research Centre, Hilary LaForce, spoke of the new approach to hosting the annual Jounen Kwéyòl activities.

“We want to use the occasion to educate our people, especially the youth, on the cultural aspect of our people and heritage, and so we ensure that those communities will have exhibitions and Creole activities like the making of farine, the saws of boards, the making of shingles, making of fish pots and all types of stuff. That, in itself, is a way of educating the people about our culture.”

Chairman of the Folk Research Centre, Leslie Charles, made note of the appreciation and growth of Creole heritage in Saint Lucia.

“This celebration which started over 30 years ago has grown and become the most popular and widely celebrated cultural activity in Saint Lucia. I say most popular and most celebrated without any reservation because I think among the festivals we have in Saint Lucia, Creole Heritage Month and Jounen Kwéyòl has surpassed the rest.”

This year, Jounen Kwéyòl will be celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The four host communities are: Boguis in Babonneau, Laborie, Ti-Rocher in Micoud, and Canaries.