a popular and joyful tradition in the West Indies to celebrate Christmas

Every year, from the end of November to Epiphany, in the islets, the carbets and in the public squares of Guyana and the French West Indies, this catchy refrain resonates, often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the drum or the ka. It’s the season of “sang Nwel”, singing Christmas, in Creole, a tradition born after the conversion of slaves to Christianity, mixing hymns from Europe and rhythms from Africa. Nwel lyrics tell stories related to the birth of Jesus, local traditions, daily life and nature. These songs are also a form of cultural transmission, a means of preserving and transmitting the heritage of ancestors.

Ultramarine associations based in mainland France have imported these festivities combining singing, gastronomy and conviviality into the main cities of France.