Saint Lucia: Festen Tonbu to be postponed amid weather conditions, informs Deputy PM Ernest

Saint Lucia: Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire extended his regression to inform that Festen Tonbu has been postponed amid the incoming weather conditions related to thunderstorms and flooding in Saint Lucia. He apologised to people for causing inconvenience.

Deputy Prime Minister Ernest also urged people to remain active and stay tuned to Saint Lucia events’ official social media handles until the new schedule was announced.

He took to his official social media handle recently to share an update about the Festen Tonbou festival being postponed.

He extended his regression and added, “We regret to inform you that due to the incoming weather and under advisement from the Saint Lucia MET Services of the possibility of thunderstorms and flooding, Fèsten Tanbou has been postponed.”

“Stay tuned to official social media accounts (@folkresearchcentre @eventssainlucia) for more information on new dates and times,” Deputy PM Ernest asserted.

Reportedly, Fèsten Tanbou, or the Drum Festival, was earlier scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Considering the weather, the festival has been postponed until the following announcement.

The Fèsten Tanbou, the Dance festival, is significantly valuable to the Caribbean’s heritage. This festival celebrates the island’s rich drumming culture.

Drumming forms the backbone of the island’s culture. The festival plays a prominent role in the music played during séances, Solo and most recently in Dennery Segment.

The event was announced under the auspices of the District Representative for Vieux Fort North, Moses Jean Baptiste.

The festival was also reported to feature several drummers and drumming groups, including Lapo Kabwit, Tanbou Mélé, Ras Isley, Twadisyon O’Pyay, Woulé Tanbou Solo Group, Silver Shadow Dancers, Montego Solo Group, The Drumming Duo; Jeremiah & Dwaynius, as well as drumming groups out of Martinique and Guadeloupe.