Kwéyòl Heritage to Take Centre Stage at Nobel Laureate Festival

Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate Festival will celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage with the fourth annual An Ti Pawól Kwéyòl event, a spoken word, poetry, and prose gathering, on January 25. 

Organised by Kay Kwéyòl, the event showcases the beauty and vibrancy of Saint Lucian culture through the powerful expressions of local poets and artists.

Event Coordinator for Kay Kwéyòl, Caron Tobiere, shared her excitement about the event and its ties to the island’s artistic history. 

“This year marks our fourth year of holding An Ti Pawól Kwéyòl as part of the Nobel Laureates Festival. The event was inspired by Sir Derek Walcott’s West Indian City and is a celebration of Saint Lucian creativity and our beautiful Kwéyòl language,” she explained.

“Saint Lucians take pride in their Kwéyòl, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, flowery languages in the world. An Ti Pawól Kwéyòl gives us the chance to celebrate this unique part of our identity.”

The event is open to both seasoned poets and emerging artists. Performances will feature both spoken word and written pieces, allowing for a unique blend of expression. 

Tobiere noted that there is a special incentive for participants submitting written work, which will be pre-judged. The best-written piece will receive an award.

“We want this event to truly showcase the diversity of Saint Lucia’s artistic talents. The spoken word performances will offer an opportunity for artists to express their love for Saint Lucia in whatever form they choose, celebrating our culture, landscape, and heritage.”

Scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. start in Heroes Park, the event will take place in a serene green space.

Tobiere described the setting as ideal for an afternoon of creative expression: “People can come and relax, whether on the provided chairs or on the grass with towels or sheets. The atmosphere is laid-back, and we encourage everyone to come and immerse themselves in the beauty of the spoken word.”

The event is free to the public, but participants wishing to submit written work must register by January 18. Those interested in performing at the event on January 25 can still register on the day itself, though Tobière recommended arriving early to ensure a spot.

Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate Festival will celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage with the fourth annual An Ti Pawól Kwéyòl event, a spoken word, poetry, and prose gathering, on January 25. 

Organised by Kay Kwéyòl, the event showcases the beauty and vibrancy of Saint Lucian culture through the powerful expressions of local poets and artists.

Event Coordinator for Kay Kwéyòl, Caron Tobiere, shared her excitement about the event and its ties to the island’s artistic history. 

“This year marks our fourth year of holding An Ti Pawól Kwéyòl as part of the Nobel Laureates Festival. The event was inspired by Sir Derek Walcott’s West Indian City and is a celebration of Saint Lucian creativity and our beautiful Kwéyòl language,” she explained.

“Saint Lucians take pride in their Kwéyòl, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, flowery languages in the world. An Ti Pawól Kwéyòl gives us the chance to celebrate this unique part of our identity.”

The event is open to both seasoned poets and emerging artists. Performances will feature both spoken word and written pieces, allowing for a unique blend of expression. 

Tobiere noted that there is a special incentive for participants submitting written work, which will be pre-judged. The best-written piece will receive an award.

“We want this event to truly showcase the diversity of Saint Lucia’s artistic talents. The spoken word performances will offer an opportunity for artists to express their love for Saint Lucia in whatever form they choose, celebrating our culture, landscape, and heritage.”

Scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. start in Heroes Park, the event will take place in a serene green space.

Tobiere described the setting as ideal for an afternoon of creative expression: “People can come and relax, whether on the provided chairs or on the grass with towels or sheets. The atmosphere is laid-back, and we encourage everyone to come and immerse themselves in the beauty of the spoken word.”

An Ti Pawól Kwéyòl is free to the public, but participants wishing to submit written work must register by January 18. Those interested in performing at the event on January 25 can still register on the day itself, though Tobière recommended arriving early to ensure a spot.

The event not only honours Saint Lucia’s artistic talent but also stands as a tribute to the island’s two Nobel Laureates, Sir Derek Walcott and Sir William Arthur Lewis, whose legacies continue to inspire and shape Saint Lucia’s cultural landscape.

As the only Kwéyòl-focused event on the Nobel Laureates Festival calendar, Tobiere encouraged everyone to join the celebration: “It’s a very special event for us. It’s all about honouring our laureates and, more importantly, celebrating who we are as Saint Lucians.”

For those wishing to participate or register, Tobiere advises them to reach out via social media pages – Caron Tobiere, or Kay Kwéyòl – for further information.