World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
St Vincent is one of the few islands where good West Indian cuisine can almost always be enjoyed in hotels. Specialities include red snapper, kingfish, lambi (conch), callalou soup, souse (pickled meat or seafood) and sea-moss drink. In addition there is plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and other seafood on offer. Lobster is available in season.
Vincentian beer and rum, a major ingredient in punch and cocktails, are the local drinks, as are a wide variety of local exotic fruit juices.

Nightlife
Most evening events take place in hotels and it is best to ask at individual hotels for a calendar of events. Nightclubs include the Aquatic club and the Buccama Club on the Leeward Coast. The Attic in Kingstown features a wide variety of music during the week and live entertainment at weekends. There is one casino on the island, at Peniston, on the Leeward side.

Shopping
Designs on sea-island cottons can be bought and made up into clothes within a few days at a number of shops. Handicrafts and all varieties of straw-made items, grass rugs and other souvenirs can be bought at a number of workshops and gift shops. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1600, Sat 0800-1200.

Special Events
For full details, contact the St Vincent & the Grenadines Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in St Vincent & the Grenadines in 2005:
Jan 19-Feb 2 Mustique Blues Festival. Jan 28-29 Blues Fest, St Vincent. Mar 24-28 Easterval, Union Island; Easter Regatta, Bequia. Apr 1-30 Gospel Fest Month. Jun 21 Music Day. Jun 24-Jul 5 Vincy Carnival (street parades, beauty show, King and Queen of Bands and calypso competition). Aug 1-30 Emancipation Month - Breadfruit Festival. Sep 1-30 Dance Festival Month. Sep 3 Fashion Caribbean. Nov 1-30 National Drama Festival.

Social Conventions
The Vincentians are fun-loving and easy-going people, and the informal and relaxed lifestyle combines many English influences with West Indian. The Saturday market in Kingstown is bustling with life, seemingly involving all islanders. All visitors are made welcome and casual wear is widely acceptable. Refrain, however, from wearing beachwear or mini shorts on the streets or while shopping. Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent service added to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.