Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia
Capital city description
Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia. Formerly referred to as Carenage, the area was renamed Castries in 1785. The commercial capital of Saint Lucia, Castries boasts the island’s busiest seaport and houses nearly one-third of the island’s population. Much of the island’s history is still visible in the city through its eloquent mix of French and British architecture. Even some of the street names bear testimony to that era. Typical thoroughfares include Jeremie Street, William Peter Boulevard, Bridge Street, Brazil Street, John Compton Highway, and Micoud Street. The Castries Harbour, one of the best deep water harbors in the Caribbean region, was originally a volcanic crater that flooded when its western wall collapsed. The harbor became famous in 1942 – during World War II — when German submarines torpedoed two ships there, killing several people. Today, cargo ships and cruise liners use it for trade and tourism while fisher-folks earn a decent living landing various species of marine life.
Climate
Saint Lucia has a hot and tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius (80° Fahrenheit). Humidity ranges from 77 to 82 percent. The island has gentle trade winds most of the year.
Languages spoken
The official language is English.
Fun/Fascinating Facts
- Known as the “Helen of the Caribbean” after ownership of the island was swapped seven times between the French & Britain in the 1800s. The Brits won out in the end, but St Lucia gained her independence in 1979 and became a member of the Commonwealth.
- There’s plenty of volcanic influence happening all over St Lucia, where the Pitons came from. But the Sulphur Springs are warm volcanic pools that pull crowds of tourists from all over the world. With regenerative mud baths and plenty of fun activities available, including nature walks and, you guessed it, a volcano you can drive around.
- Like many destinations in the Caribbean, rum is big business in St Lucia. The Roseau Valley is home to a gigantic banana plantation and a plethora of distilleries turning sweet sugar cane into delicious rums.
- Truly a diverse island. St Lucia has it all, from stunning beaches to mountain peaks, and most of the country is swathed in lush rainforest.
- Scientists have also found six endemic species on the island. They were making St Lucia an absolute haven for avarian animals.
Unique Customs/Traditions
- Families observe St. Lucia’s Day in their homes by having one of their daughters (traditionally the eldest) dress in white and serve coffee and baked goods, such as saffron bread and ginger biscuits, to the other members of the family. These traditional foods are also given to visitors during the day.
- Most food is spicy and made from local produce and seafood. The national food is saltfish and green figs. Other favorite dishes include a fish shop, callaloo (crabmeat stew), and plantains.
- Parades, festivals, and events are a big part of local life, with travelers welcomed to join in on the fun and festivities. Saint Lucia Carnival, the summer festival held in June and July in Castries, is perhaps the most significant event. With such a diverse cultural tapestry, the people of St. Lucia always have something wonderful to celebrate.
- While traditional St. Lucia clothing is considered out of fashion for everyday wear, the style is known as Wob Dwiyet still makes an appearance during cultural events. Popularized in the French West Indies in the late 1700s, Wob Dwiyet consists of a Dwiyet, or full-length dress with a long trail and narrow sleeves, as well as a Tete Case, or folded headpiece, a Foulard, or scarf that is attached to the Dwiyet, and a long dress decorated with ribbon and lace.
Popular universities
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine | Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine is an independent medical institution established on January 7, 1980. It is located in the heart of the Caribbean Islands, in the southern district (Vieux Fort) of St. Lucia, West Indies (W.I.). Spartan Health Sciences University is accredited by the St Lucia Medical Schools Accreditation and Monitoring Committee set by the Government of St. Lucia and the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions-CAAM-HP. "PROVISIONAL. "The University is located in Vieux-Fort on a spacious property. It has a spectacular view of the surrounding green landscape, the Caribbean Sea, and the island of St. Vincent. Students find our classrooms, laboratory, library, dining, and exercise facilities exceptional. Classrooms are large and climate-controlled for year-round comfort. Faculty and administrative offices are located within the campus, allowing students easy access to any needed assistance. The Library has a comprehensive collection of books, audio-visual aids, periodicals, and online medical journals. It is equipped with computers and wireless internet access and has quiet areas conducive to studying. The Library is open from 6 a.m. – to 11:45 p.m. daily with a night transportation service. The University boasts a modern Anatomy and Histology laboratory and an isolated dissection room and cadaver storage facility. | |
| Sir Arthur Lewis Community College | Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the premier tertiary learning institution in Saint Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean, was established in 1985 and named after the world-famous economist and Nobel Laureate, Sir William Arthur Lewis. The College, which is currently in transition to University status, offers a wide range of cutting-edge and globally relevant academic and technical programs from bachelor's and Associate degrees to TVET and Executive and Leadership training. Our programs are undergirded by three main pillars: Sustainability, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. These goals are in keeping with the Government of Saint Lucia's commitment to implementing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. The College is governed by a Board of Governors and a Management Team led by the Principal/President and Vice Principals. The Management Team includes Deans and Programme Heads that manage the institution's day-to-day operations, 130 faculty members, and 165 supporting staff members. The College has two campuses (Main Campus at Morne Fortune, Castries, and South Campus in Vieux Fort) and an Experimental Farm in Dennery. | |
| International American University College of Medicine | International American University College of Medicine was founded in 2003; IAUCOM is located in the heart of the Caribbean Islands, in the southern district (Vieux Fort) of St. Lucia, West Indies (W.I.). The University is chartered and authorized by the Government of St Lucia to confer various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. It offers a state-of-the-art medical education curriculum, using the latest technology and teaching methods based on the U.S. model and delivered by a team of expert faculty. Every medical school has its unique characteristics, a distinct personality, and goals for the future. Our mission is to provide quality medical education to capable and highly motivated individuals who want to pursue a career in medicine. Through numerous collaborations with healthcare organizations, academic medical institutions, and other key stakeholders, we have played a significant role in developing the health and education infrastructure in St. Lucia. We have provided training and education for hundreds of healthcare professionals and students worldwide. | |
| American International medical university | American International Medical University is, found in 2007 (AIM-U), is an offshore medical school located on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. It operates a School of Medicine and a School of Nursing. It partners with universities and hospitals in the United States, including Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland, for independent support programs. It offers joint classes with WAU for the AIM-U Premedical Science Program on the WAU campus. Future AIM-U programs on the WAU campus may include BSN Completion and Introduction to Clinical Science and the opportunity for AIM-U students to complete the WAU MBA program. American International Medical University, located in Saint Lucia, USA, is an independent affiliate of AIM-U International Group. We offer courses in Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health. Our uniquely structured academic programs include joint/dual degrees, which will improve career opportunities for successful graduates. | |
| College of medicine and health sciences | College of Medicine and Health Sciences was founded in 2001 in Saint Lucia and is a Caribbean medical school providing a nurturing, alternative learning environment with the right tools to move from passive learning to seeking and building a proficient knowledge in the medical sciences. Medical students have excellent access to professors. 24-hour/7 day week access to Pre-Clinical Coursework that has been specifically designed for you to realize your Medical Education dreams. | |
Festivals & Events
Saint Lucia Carnival
Date: 20th July
Saint Lucia Carnival is one of the top Carnivals in the Caribbean and becomes a more vibrant and creative event each year. The season culminates in an exciting, fun-filled two-day street parade of live bands and DJ music, stunning Carnival costumes, and the joyous and energetic revelry typical of Caribbean carnivals on 20 and 21 July.
Many competitions, including the ever-popular Power and Groovy Monarch, Senior and Junior Panoramas (Steel Pan Competitions), Inter-Commercial House Calypso completion, and dozens of community events.
Mercury Fest
Date: August
Mercury Fest beach party is one of the most anticipated summer events held in Saint Lucia. Thousands of people arrive from our sister islands, Martinique and Guadeloupe, further afield for this 2-day beach party at Pigeon Island National Landmark.
Mercury Fest celebration is an upscale event with its primary focus on creating a unique beach experience. Saint Lucians and visitors alike can both look forward to delicious local drinks and cocktails, gourmet cuisine, and plenty of outstanding entertainment.
La Rose
Date: 30th August
La Rose flower festival is a cultural event held annually in observance of Saint Lucia’s rich cultural memory, history, and heritage.
This festival depicts a historical rivalry among communities whose members sing the virtues of their flowers. “La Rose” members pledge their allegiance to the rose by dressing in red and creating flamboyant displays made of roses.
.jpg)
St Lucia Jazz Festival
Date: May
St Lucia Jazz Festival is an annual music festival of Jazz, reggae, and calypso styles that has attracted top international artists such as George Benson, Herbie Hancock, and Courtney Pine, amongst others—held every May for the past 22 years. Besides music, the festival highlights St. Lucia's local arts scene. Performances occur all around St. Lucia during the day and at night, at sweeping venues and intimate spots. Painters, wood carvers, and jewelry makers display their wares at exhibitions.
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
Date: November
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers is an annual transatlantic sailing competition beginning in Europe at the end of November and culminating a few days before Christmas in St Lucia.
It is the largest transoceanic sailing race globally, attracting around 200 boats. You can expect huge celebrations at the finish in Rodney’s Bay, St Lucia, as the winning boat floats in.
Attractions / Top Sights
Pitons
When to visit: December to Mid-April
The Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs and volcanic spires located in Saint Lucia. Gros Piton is 798.25 m (2,618.9 ft) high, and Petit Piton is 743 m (2,438 ft) high; the Piton Mitan ridge links them. The Pitons are a World Heritage Site, 2,909 ha (7,190 acres) in size, and located near the town of Soufrière.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons Management Area, the Pitons are St. Lucia's twin towering peaks and prime topographic features.
Marigot Bay
When to visit: February to April
Marigot Bay is located on the western coast of the Caribbean island country of Saint Lucia, 3.75 miles southwest of Castries and a short distance from the Saint Lucian National Marine Reserve. It is surrounded on three sides by steep, forested hills. Marigot Bay is the most stunning bay on St. Lucia. It is best viewed from a vista point on the road between the main Caribbean coastal route and the bay. Lush hillsides plunge to the pretty palm-fringed beach, and yachts bob on the bay's blue waters.
Anse Chastanet
When to visit: December to May
Anse Chastanet is a well-known snorkeling spot off Saint Lucia’s west coast. It is home to a wide variety of colorful fish typical of Caribbean coral reefs, and Divers can see colored sponges, soft corals, boulder coral, and brain corals on a plateau of two to eight meters.
Frogfish inhabit a large nearby cavern, and divers may spot many varieties of fish in the coral gardens, including parrotfish, goatfish, wrasse, Chromis, and barracudas.
Soufrière
When to visit: February to April
Soufrière is a town on the West Coast of Saint Lucia, in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It was colonized by the French and was the island's original capital. The city and the surrounding district have a population of 7,935.
The colorful fishing village of Soufrière wraps around a beautiful bay. This quintessential St. Lucian village lies about an hour's drive south of the capital, Castries, and makes an excellent base for a couple of days to explore the nearby attractions.
Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park
When to visit: February to April
Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park is on an 18th-century estate near the World Heritage Pitons and the Sulphur Springs volcano. Morne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park is a famous stop on the tourist circuit.
Cocoa, coconuts, and manioc are grown here, and you can take a tour around this working plantation, its tropical gardens, and a replica of a traditional village. Guides demonstrate the processing of coconut for food products and show how sugar cane syrup, cocoa, coffee, and manioc are produced.
St. Lucia Botanical Gardens
When to visit: May and June
St. Lucia Botanical Gardens, also known as the Diamond Botanical Gardens, is home to the Diamond Waterfall and is the oldest botanical garden on the island of St. Lucia. The botanical garden is located in the town of Soufrière, in the South-Western region of the island of St. Lucia.
The Diamond Falls section of the Soufrière Estate offers three famous attractions: well-conceived gardens, a beautiful waterfall colored by mineral deposits, and healing mineral hot spring baths initially built for the troops of King Louis the XVI of France.
Pigeon Island National Park
When to visit: In summer
Pigeon Island National Park is one of St. Lucia's most meaningful historical attractions. Off the North West, the picturesque, 44-acre island reserve was initially surrounded by water but joined the mainland by an artificial causeway in 1972.
Pigeon Island is nurtured through careful protection and intellectual development to serve all who visit this historic site's academic, cultural, and recreational needs.