(Posted 22nd September 2024)
Courtesy of Laura Samoisy and Hello Rodrigues Magazine
The 25th edition of the Kreol Festival in Rodrigues promises to be exceptional, celebrating this essential event on the island’s cultural calendar. From December 1st to 8th, 2024, a rich and diverse program has been prepared to showcase this magnificent festival. Organized by the Commission of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Commission of Tourism, this edition will highlight the Creole language and typical Creole traditions of Rodrigues.
To mark this special anniversary, a well-filled schedule of activities has been planned. Among the highlights are the Regatta Festival, a traditional race between the colorful sailing boats of the fishermen, an art fair where local artisans can display and sell their products, as well as tastings of Rodrigues cuisine. The celebration of the Creole language will be at the heart of this edition with a regional conference on creolization and a dictation in Creole. The 25th edition will also feature the Koktel Fonnker competition, an initiative by the Réunionese association Komkifo, which shines a light on Creole poetry. The public will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop on the island’s heritage, and the festivities will culminate in a grand traditional concert on Sunday, December 8th. For the occasion, the famous Caribbean singer Franky Vincent will headline, also marking his thirty-year career. Artists from Rodrigues and the Indian Ocean region will also be present to ensure a spectacular show.
The promotion of Creole culture in Creole-speaking islands is essential, as it represents a precious heritage to be preserved and passed on. Creole languages, traditions, and arts are living witnesses of the history and identity of the islands, and events like the Kreol Festival in Rodrigues play a crucial role in their preservation and promotion. The presence of Franky Vincent and the emphasis on Creole poetry during this festival demonstrate the importance of celebrating and sharing this rich culture with the world.
Here’s an overview of the main events:
December 1st: Regatta Festival at Mourouk Beach.
December 2nd: Artistic Fair & Creole Restaurant under the tents in Port-Mathurin.
December 3rd: Regional Conference on Creolization at the Residential and Training Center in Baladirou, and Theatre Night at the Ruy Karl Allas Cultural and Leisure Center in Mon Plaisir.
December 4th: Creole Dictation at Celpac, Port-Mathurin, and the Dance Show Project by Bianca at the St Louis Department, Rodrigues College.
December 5th: The traditional Bal Bobes in Mangues and the election of Miss and Mr. Kreol Festival at Cocotiers Hotel.
December 6th: Koktel Fonnker with the Réunionese association Komkifo at the Ruy Karl Allas Cultural and Leisure Center.
December 7th: Heritage Workshop at the Papayes Community Center.
December 8th: Heritage Night and Indian Ocean Concert at St Jean Paul II Stadium.
It promises to be a week rich in culture and festivities.
Hello Rodrigues Magazine is a digital mag promoting the small and remote island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean. Launched in January 2024 by the initiative of Laura Samoisy, director of publication and editor in chief, the magazine aims to promote this sunny destination and its culture. Connect on hellorodrigues.fr to know more about this little island.
