Culture of Saint Lucia

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The Culture of Saint Lucia is rich in history, blending the influences of African, French, and English heritage. The official language of the island is English but Kreole, a form of French patois, remains an influential secondary language. The people are predominantly Catholic but the religious climate is tolerant.

1 Dance
2 Festivals
3 Music
4 Carnival
5 Resources

[edit] Dance

The Quadrille, a popular folk dance, is often associated with St. Lucia.

[edit] Festivals

Saint Lucian cultural festivals include La Rose and La Marguerite, the one representing the Rosecrucian order, the other one representing Freemasonry,^{[citation needed]} as seen in a mural painted by Dunstan St. Omer, which depicts the holy trinity of Osiris, Horus and Isis. As may be expected from the emphasis on religion, the Christmas season is heartily celebrated and a number of small festivals and parades take place throughout the island.

   Saint Lucia also celebrates a cultural festival known as Jounen Kweyol (Creole Day). This is celebrated each year on the week of the 27th of October. On the Sunday of this week, the various towns chosen to host this festival  put out the result of their grand preparations; local food and drink such as breadfruit and salt fish, manicou (agouti) and roast bake, lime drinks, guava drinks and many more. Most persons commemorate this joyous day by wearing the island's national wear known as the madras. Persons who do not want to wear the extreme layers of skirts and dresses simply make clothing out of the special plaid material. All of the above is a representation of Jounen Kweyol.

Secular observances include an internationally-renowned Jazz Festival. Beginning in 1991, this annual festival draws crowds of music-lovers from around the world.

[edit] Music

As well as other Caribbean music genres such as soca, zouk and reggae, Saint Lucia has a strong indigenous folk music tradition.

[edit] Carnival

Traditionally, in common with other Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia held a carnival before Lent. In 1999, it was moved to mid-July in order to not to coincide with the much larger Trinidad and Tobago carnival, so as to attract more overseas visitors.