Members of the Rose Flower fraternity are anxiously awaiting their grand feast day on August 30th when they will pledge their devotion to and boast of the beauty and splendour of the Rose. Groups from around the island have been conducting the traditional fundraising activity; the séyans, in their respective communities, all in anticipation of the annual celebration. The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is elated to wish Saint Lucians far and wide a bon Fèt Lawòz!
Into its fourth year, the Gwan Séyans takes place on the Rodney Bay Strip; between the JQ and Baywalk Malls on Saturday August 25th. A variety of activities will make for a fun-filled and exciting evening in recognition of and appreciation for the Saint Lucian Flower Festival. Activities will include a Master Traditional Dance Class under the direction of Jason “Bachelor” Joseph, engaging performances from the Helen Folk Dancers, special tribute to a founding member of one of the island’s Lawòz groups, performances from some of Saint Lucia’s most flambouyant groups, the ritual of the séyans as well as energetic and infectious music from the Eastern Folk Band. Festivities for the evening commence at 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. where food and drinks will be on sale.
The home of Saint Lucia’s Queen of Folk, Dame Marie Selipha ‘Sesenne’ Descartes, is this year’s selected venue for the hosting of the Gwan Fèt. The day’s celebrations will commence with a Church Service at the Church of St. Anne in Mon Repos from 10:00 a.m. Decked in their regalia, groups from around the island will parade the streets of the Mon Repos community and presentations from the attending groups will follow in jubilant fashion on the Mon Repos Combined School Courtyard from 2:00 p.m.
The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) thanks the Government of Saint Lucia, Baywalk Mall, JQ Mall and Landmark Events for their continued support of these events. The CDF urges the public to come out in large numbers to experience a spectacular celebration of Saint Lucian tradition. Viv Lawòz!