Don’t Miss Jounen Kwéyòl – Ever!

By Stan Bishop

PIC: A familiar scene at Jounen Kwéyòl. (Photo credit: Stan Bishop)

Jounen Kwéyòl is fast approaching and now seems no better a time to remind you that it’s simply not wise to miss out on the cultural explosion that is sure to set Saint Lucia ablaze come Sunday, October 27 this year.

This year, the communities hosting Jounen Kwéyòl are Monchy, Anse La Raye, Choiseul and Praslin. Preparations are already underway to plan the island’s much-looked-forward-to cultural exhibition of food, fashion and festive fun. Jounen Kwéyòl is an activity where Saint Lucians pay tribute to their historic roots and the way-of-life that existed back then. As such, emphasis is placed on utilizing the antique utensils to prepare the traditional dishes and people wear clothes made from sackcloth or madras. But Saint Lucian or not, here are a few rules you need to know when attending Jounen Kwéyòl:

•     Do not find yourself eating a box of food you bought from KFC or other fast food joints!
•       Try as much as possible to address people in kwéyòl (Saint Lucian patois) 
•     Don’t get caught not dancing to the infectious kwéyòl music struck up by the live cultural bands at the venues
•     Get to the venue early in the morning so you wouldn’t miss the mesmerizing séances
•      Pick up a souvenir or two so you can relive the memories of Jounen Kwéyòl

You still coming?

Taste De Mas

By Stan Bishop

PIC: Whenever energy level is low, there’s always a place for revelers to go. (Photo credit: Stan Bishop)

Inasmuch as one would like to think that Saint Lucian revellers have an overabundance of innate energy, such energy must be sourced somewhere. Of course, revellers can grab a beverage to drink and something to bite on from the trucks that accompany them in the band. But if that runs out, there’s always back-up. Lots of it, too.

And that’s where the roadside vendors come in. They cater to revellers, bystanders and just about anyone else who wants to savour some of the palatable eats and drinks that the Carnival season cannot go without.

Whether it’s a beer, some rum, a piece of grilled chicken or a roast bake and fried fish, there’s always something for everyone. So if ever you’re running low on energy at Carnival, be sure to take in a taste of de mas and keep that energy level up. I mean, no one wants to Carnival fun to stop on account of low energy, right? That’s right. So don’t worry about eats and drinks. We’ve got that covered.