Saint Lucia

A small, lush tropical island that is still relatively unknown, yet is fast becoming one of the Caribbean's fashionable package-tour destinations. St Lucia is a beautiful volcanic island with the world's only drive-in volcanic crater, boiling sulphur springs, undulating agricultural land and unspoilt beaches. It seems like this island was plucked from the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its theatrical double coastal peaks, the Pitons, rise 2,000 feet up from the sea, sheltering lush rain forests where wild orchids and giant ferns, and birds of paradise thrive. Radiantly plumed tropical birds flourish, including endangered species like the indigenous St. Lucia parrot. The island also possesses excellent facilities for golf, tennis, sailing, and a host of other leisure pursuits. Add the people's friendliness and hospitability, and any visitor to St Lucia will be able to relax and enjoy the islanders' leisurely lifestyle.

Understanding the Geography

Saint Lucia is an island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, north west of Barbados and south of Martinique. It is also known as the "Helen of the West".

Saint Lucia is one of the Windward Islands. Named for the Roman Catholic Saint Lucy of Syracuse.

The volcanic island of Saint Lucia is more mountainous than many other Caribbean islands, with the highest point being Mount Gimie, at 950 m above sea level. Two other mountains, the Pitons, form the island's most famous landmark. They are located between Soufriere and Choiseul on the western side of the island.

Saint Lucia is also one of the few islands in the world that boasts a drive-in volcano.

The capital city of Saint Lucia is Castries, where about one third of the population lives. Major towns include Gros Islet, Soufriere and Vieux Fort.

Climate Conditions

The local climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from May to November.

Understanding The Culture

The culture of Saint Lucia is rich in history. The culture has been influenced by African, French and English heritage. One of the secondary languages is Kreole, a form of French patois.

Saint Lucian cultural festivals include La Rose and La Marguerite, the one representing the Rosicrucian order, the other one representing Freemasonry, which can be clearly seen on a mural painted by Dunstan St.Omer, depicting the holy trinity of Osiris, Horus and Isis

Traditionally, in common with other Caribbean countries, Saint Lucia holds 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.

A popular folk dance is the Quadrille. As well as other Caribbean music genres such as soca, zouk and reggae, Saint Lucia has a strong indigenous folk music tradition.

Each May since 1992, Saint Lucia has hosted an internationally renowned Jazz Festival.