Oktoberfest en Kweyol, a take on the international beer festivals with a Saint Lucian Kweyol twist, is back.
The event started in 2008 as a precursor to Kweyol Heritage Month and Jounen Kweyol here, has kept evolving.
The event has continued to make its mark, from the change of venues, including Samaans Park, Pigeon Island, and the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds, to engagements with regional and international acts.
However, three elements remain central: various beers, Kweyol food, and music.
This year Oktoberfest En Kweyol continues on the path of its evolution while remaining true to its core.
The event will take place on Sunday, October 6, at the Gaiety Gardens from 11 am, in the form of a Kweyol brunch.
According to Rohan Lovence of Heineken Saint Lucia, the intention this year is to engage patrons within a more intimate setting.
“Among the many positive differences for Oktoberfest En Kweyol this year is that the venue allows for more experiential and interactive engagements with our patrons,” Lovence told St. Lucia Times.
“We will have a number of new elements such as traditional and Kweyol games that we are bringing in so that this year the focus is not solely about coming in, eating food and buying drinks. We have added much more to enhance our patrons experience on the day,” he stated.
Apart from having several touchpoints, organisers have disclosed that a food village with various stations will enhance the ambiance.
Organizers say these will include a pork and grill station, a seafood station, and a few surprises.
Patrons will also receive a complimentary breakfast on entry.
Oktoberfest en Kweyol will also feature an imported beer and a local beer section featuring Heineken Saint Lucia products.
For entertainment, Lovence told St. Lucia Times that Oktoberfest En Kweyol 2024 would feature a stellar lineup of Saint Lucian talent.
“When we looked around and started our planning we recognized that our entertainers had grown over the years and that we were confident that our homegrown talent could carry Oktoberfest,” he explained.
Among the artistes who will perform on Sunday will be Cooyah, Umpa, Dhirv, Shemmy J, Imran Nerdy, Blackboy, and the 2024 Groovy King Sly.
DJs will include DJ JH & MC Dalo, DJ Chengz, DJ Kiddo, Levi Chin, and Hollywood HP. DJs.
Oktoberfest ‘En Kweyol’ will be hosted by Colayshan and Ronnie and is expected to ignite the excitement and enthusiasm associated with Kweyol Heritage Month, which culminates with Jounen Kweyol on Sunday October 27, 2024.
