January

New Year's Celebrations ? On January 1 and January 2, both public holidays, the community of Cul-de-sac celebrates with food, drink and side attractions. Assou Skwe, a giant fair, is held at the Millenium Park in Cul-de-Sac. It promotes various cultural activities including drumming, masqueraders and storytelling.

The National Cooking Competition--Is usually held this month.

Cricket?The game popular on so many islands begins its season on St. Lucia. 

February

Independence Day--February 22 and the highlight of the month; it marks the day St. Lucia achieved independence from Great Britain in 1979.

March

Traditional Lent Period--In this predominantly Roman Catholic country, religious activities are the focal point of March.

Marine Based Activities?Because St. Lucia's waters are becoming calmer, more time is spent on the water fishing and diving.

April

Holy Week/Good Friday/Easter Sunday--Once again the strong religious faith of the islanders is displayed particularly through the solemn church services of Good Friday and the meal of that day, ?accra? or fish cake and ?pain d'espices,? a thin oval biscuit.

Kite Flying ? An unusual national tradition for the Caribbean, but in St. Lucia many colorful styles of kites will take to the skies this month. There is also a Kite Competition held at Pigeon Point on the Easter Weekend with prizes given in different categories.

Festival of Comedy?This roundup of Caribbean storytellers is held the last Sunday of April or in early May.

May

Jazz Festival - -The Tourist Board started this as a four-day experiment in 1992. Now an internationally acclaimed week-long event, performances are held throughout the island both day and night to accommodate the ever-growing international audience, although most of the open-air concerts are held in the evening. In addition to jazz performed by international stars, local bands play salsa, soca and zouk, steel drum and reggae. For complete information, log on www.stluciajazz.org .

June

Fisherman's Feast/Fet Peche?After the brightly decorated boat sheds and fishing boats are blessed, the fishermen anoint themselves and others with food and drink into the wee hours of the next day.

St. Lucia Squash Open matches world-renown players with amateurs for what's both a casual and very competitive event.

Calypso--The practice sessions heat up in preparation for the competitions at next month's Carnival.

July

Carnival--It is without a doubt the most colorful and high energy event of the year. Calypso music, parties (fetes) beauty contests and children's parades lead up to the main highlights, which include an elaborate costume parade, best band contest and crowning of the Calypso King and Queen. Visitors are encouraged to take part in the two-week event by joining one of the carnival bands in costume. Information is available at www.luciancarnival.com.

Kids' Safari Summer?Summer camp for local and visiting children between the ages of 5 and 18. Youngsters learn about the local environment, folk traditions and history. Activities include hiking, canoeing, crafts, bird watching and photography.

August

Emancipation Day?Observed on the first of August to celebrate when the British abolished slavery on their Caribbean islands in1838. A big holiday weekend.

The Market Vendors Feast--Local song, dance and food at the island's various markets, particularly in Castries

The La Rose Festival--Named after St. Rose de Lima, the local flower society honors the colorful flower with great ceremony and spectacle. Costumed participants include a king, queen and loyal subjects. The highlight is an elaborate parade with singing.

September

Soccer, called football in St. Lucia, now at the height of its season, with a match played almost every day of the month somewhere on the island. Local radio stations announce the latest round of soccer matches.

The St. Lucia Bill Fishing Tournament--Drawing anglers from all over the Caribbean to compete for prizes for biggest fish and largest catch. Undersized fish, weighing less than 250 lbs., are tagged and released. Fish are displayed at the Rodney Bay Marina at the end of each tournament day.

October

Feast of La Marguerite?Named after St. Marguerite Alacoque, another elaborate flower festival with costumed participants around the island celebrating the saint's feast day with indigenous songs and dances.

International Creole Day?(Jounen Kweyol) The culmination of numerous events held throughout the month by the Folk Research Center as part of a worldwide celebration by all countries that speak the Creole, or kweyol, language. Special activities include preparation of customary foods and exhibitions of traditional items and folklore.

November

All Saints (Souls) Day--St. Lucians remember their loved ones by keeping a vigil lamp burning in their homes, beautifying cemeteries, and laying fresh flowers or wreaths on graves.

Remembrance Day--Recognizes those who fought in the World Wars with wreaths, ceremonial parades and parties. Poppies and stickers are sold to help aid families of former servicemen.

St. Cecilia's Day--The patron saint of music and musicians is honored with a church service, street music and sporting

December

Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)?More than 200 sailboats cross the Atlantic from Gran Canaria around November 25 to meet in St. Lucia , taking part in the world's largest transatlantic rally for cruisers. They begin rendezvousing at Rodney Bay Marina during the first week of December.

Festival of Lights and Renewal?Held on December 13, the celebration honors the patron saint of light, St. Lucy, with a switching on of the Christmas lights and a lantern-making competition. This date was traditionally known as St. Lucia 's National Day when it was thought that Columbus discovered the island. After it was realized he never set foot here, St. Lucians kept the holiday but renamed it Festival of Lights and Renewal.

Christmas Folk Fiesta--Organized by the Folk Research Center, this two-day Fiesta celebrates a Caribbean-style Christmas. Traditional carols, food and drink are all part of the celebration.

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Go To Caribbean Calendar