The month of October ushers in the Feast of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, one of Saint Lucia’s two annual flower festivals.

In observance, a grand séance opened at Anchorage on the Bay, on October 4, with a performance by La Marguerite group from Oleon, Dennery. Organized by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), the séances are intended to generate public interest in the cultural celebration, observed annually on October 17.

Creative Industries Assistant at the CDF, Miss Yanette James, said three grand séances are planned for the flower festival, this year.

“This performance is one in a series of planned events,” she explained. “The séances normally take place within the communities. This year we have a series of grand séances planned. Besides this one, another took place in Vieux Fort on the evening of October 4, the grand finale before the 17th, will be held on October 10 in Au Leon, Dennery.

“We held quite a few more when we celebrated La Rose and that is because we have a few more groups, but with La Marguerite we have three.”

The public can expect an exceptional display at the final séance in Dennery, on Friday October 10, according to the President of the Au Leon La Marguerite group, Shane Ephraim. He expressed concern about the future of the flower festival and made a strong appeal for youth involvement.

The CDF aims to support and develop both La Marguerite and La Rose flower festivals so as to appeal to both local and international audiences.

La Marguerite séances are being held under the theme Annou Bwiyé.