The Festival International Kreol (International Festival of the Creole language) is a yearly event in Mauritius and Rodrigues. It aims at showcasing the Creole culture and all its artistic aspects: the art of speech, poetry, the séga (song and dance), handicraft, cinematography and painting.
Initially scheduled from the 8th to the 17th of November, the 14th session of the festival was held from the 5th to the 8th of December last, due to the general elections of the 7th of November. Some changes were made to the schedule, but this did not prevent the event from being a real success.
It was based on the theme “Kreolite Nou Larmoni”, focusing on the Creole culture beyond the ethnic and religious differences.
5th of December: Sware Poezi (Poetry Night)
The festival was launched on Thursday 5th of December, at the ruins of Balaclava, at the Maritim hotel. The night was all about poetry in the Creole language. It began around 6 in the evening, with séga played by the Group Refizie Chagos. The key takeaway of the event was the participation of famous local artists like Gina Jean Charles and Éric Triton. Some fifteen poems were recited, highlighting the peace and multiculturalism of Mauritius.
6th of December: Séga Lontan and Sware Tipik
The “séga lontan” (séga from old times) night was held at the Bienheureux Père Laval stadium at Sainte-Croix. Tribute was paid to Roger Clency, a celebrity in the world of the séga. Newcomers on the local artistic scene as well as veterans have made the audience move.
A “typical séga” night was then organised in the Le Morne public beach, in the Black River district, in the West of Mauritius. The séga was performed around a fire camp so as to give the public old times’ vibes. The Morne is of great significance in the history of Creole culture.
7th of December: Konferans and Sware Konser
A conference on the importance of the “Kreolite” and what threats the Creole language and culture are faced with, was held at the Intercontinental hotel at Balaclava. It has been said during the speech that this is this very culture that brings Mauritians together, and this unity that draws foreigners to Mauritius. It was also announced that the Mauritian Creole might be introduced in the Parliament.
Additionally, three concerts were held in Flacq, Bambous and Bain-des-Dames respectively, from 6 in the evening to 1 in the morning. The public was spoiled by many singers coming from Rodrigues, Seychelles and even Réunion Island.
8th of December: Regatta, handicraft exhibition, culinary festival and Sinema en pleinair
The Festival Interntional Kreol closure was grand and tasty.
The regatta was a real show for the visitors: the blue waters of Mahebourg were filled with colourful sailboats. Paintings of typical Mauritian settings were also exhibited.
Séga was of course played during the sale of handcrafted jewelry, pickles and seasonings from Rodrigues. Besides, there was an open air film screening at the Telfair garden in Souillac, much to the pleasure of short-film lovers.
This event is the result of the collective effort of the ministry of Tourism, the ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Leisure, of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and of the ministry of Arts and Culture, as well as others. We eagerly wait to see what is in store for the next session!