The Laborie "La Magwit" group will honor its elder members at a church service and presentation ceremony.

The feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque will be celebrated on Oct. 17 by La Marguerite "La Magwit" flower society members.

The flower festival is the invention of the peasant class who staged a parody of elaborate pageantry reminiscent of the European court.

This year’s celebrations include an Oct. 9 church service in honor of elder La Magwit members. The service will commence at the Laborie Roman Catholic Church from 8 a.m., followed by a 3 p.m. session at the Laborie Village Square.

On Friday, Oct. 14, a spectacular séance will take place on the Dennery beach front at 8 p.m.

Dennery will also host the La Marguerite Gwan Fèt on Oct. 17, commencing with a church service at the St. Peter Roman Catholic Church from 10 a.m. An elaborate parade will follow, proceeding down the main street in Dennery to the grounds of the Dennery Multi-Purpose Centre.

The festival is unique to Saint Lucia and has both religious and social significance. Traditions of song and dance are handed down from older generations to the younger succeeding members of the flower society.

One of the major highlights of the festivities is the music, infused with both African and European elements.