There is no doubt that Oktoberfest en Kweyol, has a large following here, as year after year, thousands turn out for the event, organised by Heineken Saint Lucia formerly Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL).
October 6 was no different.
Oktoberfest, which is sort of an unofficial launching pad for Kweyol Heritage Month and Jounen Kweyol, saw a mammoth crowd turning out to the venue.
The inspiration behind the local event is the popular Oktoberfest beer festival, originating in Germany, of course with a Kweyol and Saint Lucian twist.
This year, the Gaiety Gardens in Gros Islet played host to the brunch edition of Oktoberfest, with an intimate setting made even more alluring by the décor team.
There was just one catch however, well maybe two. First, you had to come early to enjoy the variety of imported beers since most ran out by mid-afternoon. Second, this was not your typical brunch. Well maybe the extended version, as the event advertised to start at 11 am went on way past nine in the evening.
Oktoberfest En Kweyol also has a segmented audience, and each segment came, tasted, saw and enjoyed.
There are those who came right at the start of the event to ensure they stock up on the variety of beers; enough to take a few home.
Then there were those we spoke with who said it was a good day to take a break from the kitchen and come enjoy the Creole Food. Then, there are those who come later in the day to party and enjoy the lime.
It was indeed a good lime, despite the fact that some of the drinks ran out mid-way into the event.
Among the beers and ciders available was Ricardo Hard Switcha, Bernini Sparkling Spritzer, Lorraine from Martinique, Kalik the beer of the Bahamas along with the accompanying Kalik Radler in three flavours.
There was also Piton Beer, Heineken, Guinness, Strongbow, Desperado, Piton malt and Climax from the company.
Heineken Saint Lucia unveiled Piton Vibe at the event, which is a blend of Saint Lucian rum and fruit flavours. That too went like hot bread.
Speaking of bread, there was an active bread station, where local creole bread was made. Patrons had a choice of fillings including cheese, smoke herring or salt-fish.
Other food stops included a seafood booth, a creole food station as well as a booth featuring “exotic meats”.
To add to the authenticity of the Kweyol element, the group Avot Servis performed their folk and Kweyol offerings as patrons joined in the singing and dancing.
Later in the afternoon DJ JH & MC Dalo took the entertainment up a few notches. And, Levi Chin and Hollywood HP closed off the night along with some of the best Saint Lucian Soca and Dennery segment artistes.
They included Dhirv, Cooyah, Blackboy, Umpa, Shemmy J, Imran Nerdy and the 2024 Groovy King Sly who warmed patrons up for the Saint Lucia Kings victory later that night.
