On Saturday August 30 the Castries
Lions visited the Frances Memorial Home for the elderly. A small hamper
of cleansing supplies as well as breakfast items was delivered to the
home to assist them in the care of residents and upkeep of the home.
The Lions spent time socializing with the residents who not only
reminisce on their past experiences but shared stories of life growing
up in Saint Lucia as well as interesting family stories.
Since August 30 is observed as the feast of St Rose Delima, one of the two flower festivals in Saint Lucia. The feast of St. Rose de Lima is the festival of the La Rose Flower Society
The events are hosted by a number of selected communities throughout the island which include religious services, parades, a royal court, feasting and much dancing.
The Flower Societies begin what is locally referred to as seances. These seances are essentially weekly meetings held by each group. At these meetings, there is one female singer or a Chantwelle of each Society who has the task of composing Belairs (tunes which are a blend of African and French expressions) which are sung in French Creole. In these songs, the Chantwelle and members give praise to their respective societies, while they lightheartedly disparage their rivals (the other Flower Society) in song and dance. The choruses of these songs are usually sung in unison to the accompaniment of saxophones, violins, the banjo, or any [traditional] musical instrument.
After attending a religious service, members of each Flower Society parade the streets of their community dressed up in imitations of Kings and Queens, prince and princesses, doctors, nurses, policemen and soldiers.
The Lions joined in engaging the residents in song. The residents were full of praise for the visit and enjoyed most of all the interaction with members.
Following this activity member joined the La Rose celebrations and were happy to learn new songs for their next visit to the home.
Since August 30 is observed as the feast of St Rose Delima, one of the two flower festivals in Saint Lucia. The feast of St. Rose de Lima is the festival of the La Rose Flower Society
The events are hosted by a number of selected communities throughout the island which include religious services, parades, a royal court, feasting and much dancing.
The Flower Societies begin what is locally referred to as seances. These seances are essentially weekly meetings held by each group. At these meetings, there is one female singer or a Chantwelle of each Society who has the task of composing Belairs (tunes which are a blend of African and French expressions) which are sung in French Creole. In these songs, the Chantwelle and members give praise to their respective societies, while they lightheartedly disparage their rivals (the other Flower Society) in song and dance. The choruses of these songs are usually sung in unison to the accompaniment of saxophones, violins, the banjo, or any [traditional] musical instrument.
After attending a religious service, members of each Flower Society parade the streets of their community dressed up in imitations of Kings and Queens, prince and princesses, doctors, nurses, policemen and soldiers.
The Lions joined in engaging the residents in song. The residents were full of praise for the visit and enjoyed most of all the interaction with members.
Following this activity member joined the La Rose celebrations and were happy to learn new songs for their next visit to the home.
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