| |
|
|
| |
Home
>
World
> Caribbean
> Saint Lucia
|
Social Profile
Food & Drink: Most hotels have restaurants, in addition to a wide range in the major towns serving many different types of food. Waiter service is the norm. Local dishes include langouste (local lobster) cooked in a variety of ways, lambi (conch) and other fresh seafood, breadfruit and other local fruit and vegetables. Pepper pot and fried plantain are two local specialities worth trying. In general, the food is a combination of Creole with West Indian and French influences.
Many imported spirits are available, but the local drink is rum, often served in punch and cocktails. Caribbean beer, including the locally brewed Piton and Heineken, and plenty of delicious fresh fruit juices are also available.
Nightlife: Centres mainly in hotels and some restaurants. On Friday nights, the village of Gros Islet hosts a weekly ‘jump up’, popular with locals and visitors alike. Indies and The Late Lime are two of St Lucia’s most popular nightclubs, both featuring live entertainment. During summer, there is little nightlife, but during the winter the resorts are lively, with plenty of local music and dance.
Shopping: Special purchases include unique batik and silkscreen designs made into shifts, sports shirts, table mats, cocktail napkins and shopping bags produced at a studio on the road between Castries and La Toc. Other craft outlets sell locally made bowls, beads, straw hats, flour-sack shirts, sisal rugs, bags, sandals and woodwork. The recently expanded Pointe Seraphine features over 30 duty-free shops (open seven days a week), bars and restaurants placed around an open piazza. Another duty-free shopping complex has recently been opened at La Place Carenage. Duty-free shopping is available to all visitors, provided they present their passport or airline ticket when purchasing goods. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1230 and 1330-1600, Sat 0800-1200 and 0900-2100 in shopping malls.
Special Events: Carnival and the jazz festival are calendar highlights, the latter regularly featuring internationally renowned artists such as Wynton Marsallis and Herbie Hancock. For more detailed information and a full list of events, contact the St Lucia Tourist Board. The following lists important annual events for 2003:
Jan 17-19 Heineken Regatta. Mar 3-4 St Lucia Carnival. Mar 20 International Francophone Day. Apr 22 Earth Day. May Comedy Festival. May 2-11 St Lucia Jazz Festival. May 21 West Indies vs. Australia. Jun Fisherman’s Feast; Dennery Village Fish Festival. Jun 14-15 Carnival. Aug 29 Miss St Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association Pageant. Aug 30 Feast of St Rose of Lima (flower festival and street parade). Oct 1-31 Creole Heritage Month; Bill Fish Tournament. Oct 26 Jounnen Kweyol Entanasyonnal (International Creole Day). Nov 22 St Cecilia’s Day (Feast of the Musicians). Dec Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. Dec 13 Festival of Lights and Renewal; St Lucia Christmas Folk Festival.
Social Conventions: Some French influences still remain alongside the West Indian style of life. The people are friendly and hospitable, and encourage visitors to relax and enjoy their leisurely lifestyle. The madras and foulards are not often seen in towns, but are sometimes worn at festivals such as the Feast of St Rose of Lima in August. Casual wear is acceptable, although some hotels and restaurants encourage guests to dress for dinner. Beachwear should not be worn in towns. Tipping: Ten to 15 per cent is added to bills. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
Terms and Conditions apply.
|
|
|
|
|
