Creole Heritage Month

To fully grasp the essence of a place you need to experience the culture. Creole month is the epicenter of culture for French Caribbean islands -Guadeloupe and Martinique, and those that were colonized at one time by the French- St.Lucia, Haiti, and Dominica.

Though both St.Lucia and Dominica became British colonies, the French culture is still evident in the creole language, food and traditional costumes. It adds to the essence of the islands, and together with the African heritage has formulated a culture that is rhythmic, colorful and tasteful gastronomy.

October is known as Creole Heritage Month and this is a great time to indulge in the culture of the islands. Events are scheduled all month long to celebrate the creole culture.

In Dominica the highlight of the month is the World Creole Music Festival. This year it will be held from October 27-29 2023

Each year’s lineup is just as stellar as the previous.

The festival has grown to be one of the best in the Caribbean and features artists from the French Territories, Africa, North America, and other Caribbean islands. Revelers are drawn to the island for this annual weekend of music extravaganza.

The musical genre includes Cadence-lypso, Kompa, Zouk, Soukous, Bouyon, and Zydeco. Dominica World Creole Music Festival Cancelled – NationNews Barbados — nationnews.com

The highlight of creole month in St.Lucia is Jounen Kwéyòl which translates to Creole day which is celebrated on the last Sunday in October (October 28th, 2023). During the month-long celebration of the Creole culture, travelers will get the opportunity to embrace the culture through the music and dance by participating in the street fetes; the history through folklore and traditional dress; and the food such as the national dish- green bananas and salted fish – yum.

Perhaps you would like to have a piece of St.Lucia with you.

Then book a tour with Vin’s Agri Tours in the village of Choiseul, one of the villages hosting Creole Day festivities. During the tour, travelers will be educated on the history of pottery in St.Lucia, source the clay to make their own pottery, and create their own masterpiece.

This year Vin’s Agri Tours have created a Jounen Kwéyòl package for travelers that includes the pottery tour and national dish tasting. Vin’s Tour is ideally located 15 minutes walk from Anse L’Ivronge beach and serves as the beginning of the hike up Gros Piton, for travelers who would like a bit of adventure.

Contact them for accommodations at their guest house, which have incredible views of Gros Pitons or to reserve your Creole Day Tour.

For more ways to experience St.Lucia and save click here.

Ledya