Festival International Kreol: Celebrating Unity Through Creole Culture

The much-anticipated Festival International Kreol officially launched on Thursday, December 12, in the picturesque village of Morne, highlighting the richness and diversity of Creole culture in Mauritius. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, along with Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger and other dignitaries, attended the inaugural ceremony, expressing their support for national unity and the promotion of local artists.

During the event, Prime Minister Ramgoolam acknowledged the distinct presence of the Creole language within a specific community in Mauritius but emphasized its relevance for the entire nation.

“Our Creole language is a treasure; it unites us more than it divides us,” he stated.

Ramgoolam encouraged artists by assuring them of governmental support, saying, “Paul Bérenger and I guarantee that you will thrive under our administration.”

He emphasized that Creole culture, encompassing its cuisine, language, music, and craftsmanship, embodies the beauty and richness of Mauritius.

“A strong message was sent by the population in the recent elections, rejecting those who sought to divide us,” Ramgoolam remarked.

“Mauritianism is our strength. As Paul said, this festival transcends a single community; we are celebrating a culture that, while rooted in the Creole community, belongs to all of us.”

Ramgoolam conveyed a sense of joy and renewed spirit following the recent elections, declaring that he and his team would unite the nation under the Mauritian flag.

“The people have spoken—across all communities—they have made it clear that we are first and foremost Mauritians.

We voted passionately, reminiscent of a second independence. We gained our freedom on November 12, just as we attained independence on March 12, 1968.

Now, we celebrate our Creole identity on December 12. It is no coincidence, and I commend everyone who helped make this festival a success.”

In addressing the audience, Deputy Prime Minister Bérenger reflected on Mauritius’s history.

“This land was uninhabited before our ancestors arrived from Madagascar, France, Mozambique, China, and India.

We are all migrants, yet we form one people. This week, we celebrate our Creole language, which is our national language. Everyone speaks Creole,” he stated.

Bérenger further underscored the importance of unity demonstrated in the recent elections, expressing pride in the recognition and respect afforded to all communities under the current government.

He promised that artists would receive the recognition they deserve.

Richard Duval, the Minister of Tourism and the driving force behind the festival, shared his vision of enhancing Mauritius’s international profile.

“This festival will showcase our country, drawing global attention. We have welcomed 30 journalists from 13 different nations, and I wanted to inspire our artists and restore their confidence in their craft,” he explained.

Duval also paid tribute to the late artists who significantly contributed to the country’s beloved sega music, including Ti-Frère and Marclaine Antoine.

Mahen Gondeea, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Heritage, extolled the value of the Creole language.

“Our sega music—be it sega mauricien, sega tambour from Rodrigues, or from Chagos—is recognized as part of our cultural heritage.

Sega is not just about dancing and singing; it represents an expression of joy while also reminding us of the struggles and suffering faced by enslaved ancestors who chose death over oppression.”

As the Festival International Kreol unfolds, it promises to be a vibrant celebration not just of Creole culture, but of the unity and shared heritage that binds all Mauritians together.

Source: Defi Media