My country St.Lucia/Ste Lucie ( Iyanola ) is one of the most beautiful islands in the chain of Caribbean islands. We were fought over by the British and French , but gained independence on the 22nd of February 1979. we are a mountainous volcanic island, boasting the world's only drive in volcano . St. Lucia is simply beautiful and you should visit and Let Her Inspire You. Now let me not bore you with this brief history and let's jump right into it.
As a little boy growing up in St. Lucia I must say it was an amazing experience. You know that island lifestyle and island feel everyone especially foreigners wanna get. This is exactly what I had. From the fresh coconut water on a morning to the freshly picked fruit. Sometimes our trees were bare so we had to go to our neighbors and pick some. Not without em shouting at us and sending lil rocks playfully. The joy of all of us grouping up and engaging in a game of cricket using nothing but two soft drink crates as wickets and prolly one of granny’s soft balls. Not to mention those river limes and other games we all engaged in fun innocent times I tell you.
Who remembers when there was only about 2 houses in the neighborhood with televisions. We would all gather around at nights prolly around 6 and watch a film before heading to our respective homes. Great times I tell you! Granny would also have us sit around and tell us those scary stories. You know the ones about the boloms and jabooloo, left every kid frightened and not wanting to go to bed. There was no such thing as the tooth fairy, not to mention our toys. We didn’t have anything like the go pro and drones or remote-controlled cars. Our toys were the “carbooway” , the “rims from a bike’ , “old tires’ or a lil glider made from coconut brand.
Can we talk about our festivities, there's always a party or something happening somewhere. They range from national events to street parties or small community activities. You can call us the party island, where its good vibes only. From our independence celebrations to, the jazz festival, the Gros islet street party every Friday, our flower festivals and of course our carnival. There's a bit of everything for everyone. There's no way you can be on the island and be bored. There's always something to do. Fun fact, were known to have th only drive in volcano in the world (which Is now dormant) and we boast the twin peaks as well. (Known as the pitons)
My favorite festivals are the Carnival and Creole ( Jounen Kweyol ) . Touching up on the carnival it’s a fulfilled experience, you won't want to miss this one. These two days of celebration are filled with color, music playing from several big trucks, revelers dancing and having a blast, and of course we have our spectators. We also invite bands from our neighboring islands to join in the celebration specifically our French brothers and sisters. There are several other activities that make up this whole carnival experience. Now for our creole festival, this one has to be my favorite. Just thinking about it I can hear the drums beating, the taboo, the shak-shak shaking, that sweet banjo music. All creating the perfect atmosphere for the season, let's not forget the amazing smell coming from those pots bearing those delicious meals.
I know you may be wondering if we don’t celebrate Christmas here like we do with our carnival and creole festivities, yes, we do. Christmas Lucian style is the BEST. From October to around late November you will be welcomed to the sounds of bamboo bursting. No, they're not gunshots, this marks the creole season and signifies that Christmas is approaching. Around this time, you will hear traditional Christmas songs/music on almost every radio station and from almost every house. Those who can afford a ham, or turkey will be preparing that for the family and to share with others. The most fun but not so appealing part of Lucian Christmas is the slaughtering of the pigs. One can hear the cries of the pigs from miles away as they are captured and prepped for slaughtering.
Personally, I don’t like freshly slaughtered pig meat, but I will indulge in the black pudding. While this happens there's always some kind of alcohol laying around which everyone partakes in. Lucian Christmas is a community thing and it encourages togetherness, at this point if there were families or neighbors who weren't seeing eye to eye, this environment eliminates all that. As other countries, we do put up our Christmas trees and lights. This is the finishing touch, and on the actual day persons go house to house. Sharing their food and drink with others and cracking jokes (adult jokes) to be precise.
I Must say the St. Lucian Life/Lifestyle is one to experience.
Thank You for Taking Time Out To read This Impromptu Piece. Your Feedback will be greatly appreciated.
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St.Lucia ( From My Point Of View )
Short StoryJust a small look into my Island and what it has going on.
