World Country Guide

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Food & Drink
Most hotels have restaurants, in addition to a wide range in the major towns serving many different types of food. Waiter service is the norm. Local dishes include langouste (local lobster) cooked in a variety of ways, lambi (conch) and other fresh seafood, breadfruit and other local fruit and vegetables. The national dish is green fig and salt fish. Pepper pot and fried plantain are two local specialities worth trying. In general, the food is a combination of Creole with French and West Indian influences.
Many imported spirits are available, but the local drink is rum, often served in punch and cocktails. Caribbean beer, including the locally brewed Piton and Heineken, and plenty of delicious fresh fruit juices are also available.

Nightlife
Centres mainly in hotels and some restaurants. On Friday nights, the village of Gros Islet hosts a weekly ‘jump up’, popular with locals and visitors alike; Anse La Raye hold their Friday Night Fish Fry BBQ. Indies and The Late Lime are two of St Lucia’s most popular nightclubs, both featuring live entertainment. During summer, there is little nightlife, but during the winter the resorts are lively, with plenty of local music and dance.

Shopping
Special purchases include unique batik and silkscreen designs made into shifts, sports shirts, table mats, cocktail napkins and shopping bags produced at a studio on the road between Castries and La Toc. Other craft outlets sell locally made bowls, beads, straw hats, flour-sack shirts, sisal rugs, bags, sandals and woodwork. The recently expanded Pointe Seraphine features over 30 duty free shops (open seven days a week), bars and restaurants placed around an open piazza. Another duty free shopping complex has recently been opened at La Place Carenage. Duty free shopping is available to all visitors, provided they present their passport or airline ticket when purchasing goods. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1230 and 1330-1600, Sat 0800-1200 and 0900-2100 in shopping malls.

Special Events
Carnival and the jazz festival are calendar highlights, the latter regularly featuring internationally renowned artists such as Wynton Marsallis and Herbie Hancock. For more detailed information and a full list of events, contact the St Lucia Tourist Board. The following is a selection of special events occurring in St Lucia in 2005:
Jan 13-16 St Lucia Regatta. Mar 26-27 Caribbean Swim Championships. Apr 1 Earth Day. Apr 29-May 8 St Lucia Jazz Festival. Jun Festival of Comedy. Jun 18-19 Carnival. Aug 30 Feast of St. Rose De Lima (La Rose). Oct 17 Feast of La Marguerite. Dec Market Feast.

Social Conventions
Some French influences still remain alongside the West Indian style of life. The people are friendly and hospitable, and encourage visitors to relax and enjoy their leisurely lifestyle. The madras and foulards are not often seen in towns, but are sometimes worn at festivals such as the Feast of St Rose of Lima in August. Casual wear is acceptable, although some hotels and restaurants encourage guests to dress for dinner. Beachwear should not be worn in towns. Tipping: An optional 10 to 15 per cent is sometimes added to bills. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.