Page 962 - Visitor Guides

Castries - Must See Carnival Parade of the Bands
The climax of the Saint Lucian Carnival celebration is not to be missed. During parade days
The capital city of Saint Lucia plays host to an array of interesting points. Castries, the heart revelers take to the streets in a flood of color and music, enveloping bystanders in a cloak of
of commercial activity, provides the Vendor’s Arcade, Castries Market and La Place Carenage. authentic joy and celebration as each band competes for the coveted “Band of the Year” title.
All are major shopping hubs. In addition to shops, the La Place Carenage is home to the
Animation Center, a 3D simulation entitled, “Castries, the Crossroads of the Caribbean”. The Creole Heritage Month
simulation explains the history of Castries from 2000BC through the 20th Century fires that The Folk Research Centre, responsible for preserving and promoting Saint Lucia’s cultural
almost extinguished the city. heritage, organizes events throughout October celebrating Creole culture. Events are held in
communities across the island. Creole Heritage month culminates with International Creole Day,
Architecture buffs will enjoy the architecture of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Jounen Kweyol, a worldwide celebration by all countries that speak the Creole language.
known as The Cathedral to locals. Building this structure, the largest cathedral in the Caribbean,
took an absurd 72 years to complete!
Folk Research Center
Visit Derek Walcott Square, christened after one of Saint Lucia’s noble laureates in literature. Bask Housed in a 19th century colonial building, situated among striking gardens on the historic Mount
under the 400+ year old Saaman tree. Locals call this tree the Massave Tree, meaning “I don’t Pleasant, with stunning views of Castries the Folk Research Center (FRC) inspires preservation and
know”. promotion of Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage. The center specializes in storing and organizing vast
data and materials encompassing the whole of Saint Lucia Folk history. Specific areas include
dance, music, instruments, folk tales and the kweyol language.

Helicopter Rides
Experience Saint Lucia from the frigate birds’ perspective. Tours depart from Castries and Soufriere,
as well as a few other ports. North and south island aerial tours are available. Observe cliffs,
mountains, and sun-kissed coastlines while relishing (and learning from) the lively commentary
of the knowledgeable and friendly local pilots.

Carnival
Carnival, a major Saint Lucian festival, celebrates island tradition. Carnival festivities include
competitions and performances by masquerade (Mas) bands, calypso and soca singers, steel
bands, and beauty contestants.
The extravaganza in July unites locals and tourists from around the world. Topping off
the bazaar is a grand parade of dazzling colors and intricate costumes.
The Jour Ouvert street jump up is a wild affair of pulsating soca and calypso music and
dancing in the streets of Castries. Revelers wear whatever they wish, and are judged
for the best, weirdest outfits (referred to as Ole Mas). During that same afternoon
(Monday), Mas bands parade through Castries to be judged at the Mindoo Philip Park.
Tuesday, all Mas bands parade through the streets for judging ending in numerous ‘Last
Lap’ circuits round the city; a massive “conga line”.

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