Kweyol Clothing Now Trending

The final weekend of Kweyol Heritage Month is quickly approaching, as Saint Lucians prepare for the grand Jounen Kweyol celebrations on Sunday October 27. Over the years, Jounen Kweyol activities, under the auspices of the Folk Research Centre (FRC), have sought to engender a sense of national pride and appreciation for our (French) Creole Heritage. Activities have included the singing and dancing of traditional songs, the playing of traditional games and the preparation of local and traditional food and beverages among other things. Jounen Kweyol is also a period which has seen an increase in activity within the creative sector, including the recording of a number of Kweyol songs and the creation of fashionable Kweyol wear. This growing trend of Jounen Kweyol fashion, which infuses the madras and in some cases African prints, promises to be no different this year. Last weekend vending areas in the city, particularly the Boulevard and Jeremie Street, were humming with vendors peddling their creole ware. From dresses, shirts, pants, skirts and hats to accessories such as earrings, bracelets, handbags and purses- they were all up for sale. One of the vendors we spoke with told St. Lucia Times that so far this year, business...