Since the first European discovery of St. Lucia,
power over the island has passed between many hands, and each of the island's
inhabitants has helped to create a unique culture. Amerindian culinary styles
are just the beginning of the cultural diversity you'll find here.
Though the British hold political control of the island, there are many
other cultural influences in St.
Lucia. Remnants of the French influence are
found throughout the island in everything from names to the language.
Cultural Roots
The Indians that inhabited the island
of St. Lucia farmed
cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes. These crops and local fish comprise much of
the local food, and local fruits and vegetables make them strongly West Indian.
Still, East Indian cuisine has also left its mark on the island's local dishes.
The British brought language, education, and judicial structure to the
island. However, these elements have been strongly influenced by the cultures
of the African slaves and the French, who fought with the British for control
of the island for 150 years.
French arts, music, and dance have had a strong influence on the culture as
well, but their most marked contribution is in the island's language. The
French patois stands alongside English, which is the island's official
language.
However, African cultural influences have been the most important in the
island's history. West African slaves brought their culture from Africa and managed to maintain it, in part because they
were by far the largest cultural group on the island.
