Bushi Nenge Culinary and Storytelling Festival

Date: December 6, 2025
Location: 16 Saint Maurice 4, Auguste et Alfred de St Quentin, 97320 Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
Admission: Free

Experience the rich flavors and stories of Bushi Nenge culture at the Bushi Nenge Culinary and Storytelling Festival, hosted by Lowe Man Paansu. This full-day event is dedicated to exploring traditional cuisine and oral traditions, combining hands-on cooking sessions with storytelling performances that bring cultural history to life.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome and orientation session. Participants will receive an overview of Bushi Nenge culinary heritage and storytelling practices. Our hosts will explain the significance of food and oral traditions in preserving cultural identity, emphasizing how meals, recipes, and stories have been passed down through generations.

From 10:00 a.m., attendees will engage in a hands-on cooking workshop. Traditional Bushi Nenge dishes will be demonstrated, including signature ingredients, preparation techniques, and cultural significance. Participants will have the opportunity to prepare dishes themselves, guided by experienced cooks from the community. The workshop encourages collaboration, skill development, and deeper understanding of the culture through the sensory experience of cooking.

At 12:30 p.m., a communal lunch will be served featuring the dishes prepared during the workshop. During the meal, facilitators will discuss the origin of each recipe, its historical context, and its role in community gatherings and celebrations. Attendees are encouraged to share their impressions and experiences, fostering interaction and social cohesion.

The afternoon program focuses on storytelling and oral traditions. From 2:00 p.m., storytellers from the Bushi Nenge community will perform a series of narratives, folktales, and historical accounts. These stories not only entertain but also teach moral lessons, cultural values, and historical knowledge. Attendees are invited to participate, asking questions, discussing themes, and learning how storytelling is intertwined with other cultural practices such as dance, music, and ritual.

From 3:30 p.m., participants can join a storytelling and culinary reflection session, where they will explore how food and stories work together to transmit culture. Discussions will cover topics such as family recipes, ceremonial meals, and the role of communal gatherings in preserving heritage. Attendees will have the opportunity to document their own experiences and even share family recipes or stories, contributing to a living cultural archive.

The festival will close with a community celebration at 4:30 p.m., combining music, short dance demonstrations, and a final sharing of stories. Participants leave not only with new culinary skills and cultural knowledge but also with a sense of connection to the Bushi Nenge heritage and the broader community.

This festival is ideal for families, cultural enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in experiential learning. It highlights the inseparable link between food, stories, and culture, providing a holistic, immersive, and interactive experience that celebrates Bushi Nenge traditions.