Alliance Francaise celebrates democracy with stylish gala

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts- St. Kitts’ unique celebration of Bastille Day took place in the form of cultural and culinary rejoicing in all things French. The event, which was hosted by Alliance Francaise in celebration of the most important of French holidays, was held on Sunday evening at the organization’s headquarters in Greenlands.

Patrons were treated to a selection of French wines and champagne while they relaxed to the sweet jazz stylings of Dina Azzam and Gairy Knight.

With Knight gently playing the piano, Azzam melodiously wound her way through jazz standards in both English and French. As the crowd grew the duo even delivered unique renditions of some more contemporary tunes, such as Nora Jones’ hit “Don’t Know Why”.

Following the brief concert, the gathering sampled a variety of French and Creole dishes prepared by French chef Jean-Claude Valvason, Barbadian chef Greg Austin and French baker Jacques Braghieri.

Some of the more traditional dishes served at the event included pate, aged cheese and a variety of breads.

“This food is amazing. I just wish there was more,” one guest stated when she was informed that the marinated duck had run out. 

Primary school students from Guadalupe who had spent the past week in St. Kitts & Nevis sightseeing and learning English closed the evening with three comedic skits designed to both entertain and demonstrate their developing bilingual skills. 

Rita Schneider, Director of the St. Kitts & Nevis branch of the Alliance Francaise thanked all of those who contributed to the evening’s festivities that made Bastille Day in St. Kitts such a success.

According to the Alliance Francaise, Bastille Day “commemorates the storming of the Bastille that took place on 14th July 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of the ancient regime of Louis XVI. 

“By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the King’s power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.”

While the largest celebration of Bastille Day takes place in France, French communities around the world from New York to South Africa take time to commemorate the event with everything from circuses, parades to reenactments of the storming of Bastille. ~~Adz:Right~~