St Lucia / Special Interests / Culture & Heritage

Of all the English-speaking islands of the Caribbean, St Lucia probably has the strongest French Creole culture which reflects a long history infused by French influence. It was one of the most fought over Caribbean islands, changing hands a staggering 14 times, mainly between the French, who still own the nearby island of Martinique, and the British. As a result the population is a thoroughgoing mix of French, African and British, but the French Creole heritage can be seen in the certain style, manner and dress of the local people and there is a coquettishness, that distinguishes them from most former British Caribbean islanders. St Lucia eventually became British in 1816, and while virtually all St Lucians speak and understand English, many islanders, particularly those living in rural areas, still speak French Creole or Kweyol. The language is recognisably French when you hear it, but it is not mutually comprehensible with French.

St Lucia’s lush and fertile terrain has lent itself to plantations growing a variety of crops, from bananas to sugar to cocoa. A number of working plantations still remain and have become heritage tourism attractions, giving an insight into what plantation life was like on the island and the types of tropical plants that grow there.

Music is another important factor in St Lucian life. It is a lively island and there are a number of weekly events such as village fish fry evenings and, of course, its annual carnival and world renowned jazz festival.