The Folk Research Centre, in collaboration with the Government of Saint Lucia and Events Company of Saint Lucia, launched Kwéyòl Heritage Month at the Laborie Market on Wednesday, September 30.

This year's activities are being held under the theme “Kwéyòl-la Sé Sa Nou Tout” — “Kwéyòl Belongs to All of Us.”

The launch featured an evening of cultural entertainment as Saint Lucia began a month expected to showcase several aspects of its traditional and contemporary cultural expression.

Mwa Ewitaj Kwéyòl has developed into one of the country's major annual cultural observances, providing communities with an opportunity to celebrate and preserve traditions while introducing younger Saint Lucians to the language, practices and history passed down through generations.

The observance also provides economic opportunities.

Food vendors, musicians, designers, craft producers, farmers, transportation providers and other small businesses traditionally benefit from increased activity surrounding Kwéyòl events.

The 2026 theme also places emphasis on inclusiveness by presenting Kwéyòl culture as a shared national heritage rather than something belonging to a particular generation, community or social group.

Throughout October, attention is expected to turn increasingly toward community activities and the eventual celebration of Jounen Kwéyòl, traditionally one of the largest cultural events on Saint Lucia's calendar.

For cultural organisations, the month also presents another opportunity to encourage greater everyday use of Kwéyòl and ensure that the language and traditions remain relevant to younger generations.