With two weeks to go before the celebration of the Feast of Saint Rose De Lima (Fèt La Wòz), the Cultural Development Foundation is pleased to inform that this year’s gwan fèt will take place on Tuesday 30th August in Vieux Fort. As is customary, the day will officially commence with a church service. La Wòz groups from Desruisseaux, Choiseul, Monchy, Castries, Laborie, Aux Lyon and Soufriere will join the Belle Vue group at the St. Isidore Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. for what is typically an interactive and dynamic gathering of supporters of the folk culture. Following the service, the groups will parade to the Belle Vue Combined School, where each participating group will make presentations on the school grounds. The groups are then expected to return to their respective communities where the celebrations will continue.
Prior to the annual observance, La Wòz groups from around the island will converge on the Rodney Bay Strip for a Gwan Séance on Saturday August 27th from 5:00 p.m. In an effort to create greater public awareness of the festival’s history and to encourage more private sector participation in the festival, the Cultural Development Foundation has for the past two years organized an event in association with the corporate community which includes elements of a traditional séance, with a display of elements of food, song and dance associated with the flower festival. Community séances will also take place in Aux Lyons (August 19th and 26th) and Belle Vue (August 19th, 20th and 26th).
The CDF continues to encourage the public to participate in these traditional activities which promote Saint Lucian history and culture. Families and other groups should use these night time singing and dancing sessions where drinks are sold and games are played as learning and teaching opportunities to educate the upcoming generation about Saint Lucian culture. On the actual day of the festival, all members of the floral society will dress in the finery of their respective roles and the Saint Lucian community is encouraged to come out in their pink, white and or red garbs as a show of support.