Fact 1: Drive-In Volcano
Saint Lucia is home to the world’s only drive-in volcano, known as Sulphur Springs. While it's not your traditional volcano with a cinder cone shape, it has bubbling mud and boiling water, which emit sulphurous gases. This attraction also includes a hot natural spring where visitors can enjoy rejuvenating mud baths, believed to possess healing properties.
Fact 2: The "Helen of the West Indies"
Often alluringly referred to as the "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia's history is filled with disputes, switching between British and French colonizers 14 times before ultimately becoming independent in 1979. The island’s nickname resonates with the legendary beauty Helen of Troy, analogous to the rampant territorial disputes.
Fact 3: Creole French is Counted as One of Saint Lucia's Official Languages
While the official language is English, a large segment of the Saint Lucian population also communicates in a native French-based Creole language known as Patois or Kweyol. This language was initially developed during the French slavery period as a means of communication between colonial masters and enslaved Africans.
Fact 4: Saint Lucia's Unique Flag
Few flags are as symbolic as Saint Lucia's. The cerulean depicts the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The black and white represent the harmonious relationship between the African and European cultures on the island. The gold symbolizes the tropical sunshine and golden beaches, while the triangles represent the magnificent twin Piton mountains, the island's most famous natural landmarks.
Fact 5: Two Nobel Laureates Claim Saint Lucia as their Birthplace
Tiny as it may be, Saint Lucia has produced two Nobel Prize winners: economist Sir W. Arthur Lewis and poet Derek Walcott, both of whom were born on a January 23rd - now celebrated in the country as the National Day. The island has the highest ratio of Nobel laureates produced concerning the total population of the nation.
Fact 6: Rare Dual Pitons
Gros Piton and Petit Piton, two volcanic spires dramatically shooting up from the sea, are an iconic symbol of Saint Lucia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. These natural wonders create a unique landscape not only in Saint Lucia but in the entire Caribbean.
Fact 7: Capital's Flaming History
Named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse by French colonists, Saint Lucia's capital, Castries, has been rebuilt several times due to devastating fires in 1796 and 1948. The city now comprises modern buildings and a vibrant market selling local produce and spices.
Fact 8: Lush Banana Plantations
Bananas are Saint Lucia’s largest export crop, making up about 80% of the island's agricultural export. Don’t be surprised if you get to try numerous banana delights - banana ketchup, banana wine or banana bread while you're there.
Fact 9: Saint Lucia's Royal Affair
Saint Lucia holds the record for hosting the most honeymoon visits by British royals. As the preferred Caribbean island for honeymooning, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge also chose this destination for their getaway.
Fact 10: Jacques Cousteau's Favorite Spot
Saint Lucia's clear turquoise waters full of vibrant marine life made this place one of the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau's favorite diving spots. It remains a popular diving and snorkeling destination.
Fact 11: Breathtaking Marigot Bay
Often touted as one of the Caribbean's most beautiful bays, Marigot Bay in Saint Lucia is known for its stunning views and has served as a backdrop for several Hollywood films including the original Dr. Doolittle.
Fact 12: French is in the Air
While Saint Lucia is officially an English-speaking country, much of the island's customs, food, and music are heavily influenced by its French history. One of their annual festivals, La Marguerite, is a floral cultural celebration known for its French-based traditions.
Fact 13: Premier Jazz Festival of the Caribbean
Saint Lucia hosts one of the most important events in the Caribbean music calendar, the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. It attracts musicians and fans from around the world, showcasing not only Jazz but also reggae, calypso, and R&B.
Fact 14: Home to the Endangered Saint Lucia parrot
The national bird of Saint Lucia, also known as the “Jacquot,” is one of the world’s rarest birds. The Saint Lucia Parrot was dangerously close to extinction in the 1970s, but due to considerable efforts, its numbers have moderately improved.
Fact 15: Vegetation Paradise
The breathtakingly beautiful and diverse flora of Saint Lucia boasts of more than 1,000 native species. The Mourne Coubaril Historical Adventure Park offers insight into the island's history and its unique agricultural practices.
Fact 16: The Pigeon Island's Historical Significance
Pigeon Island is not really an island. It was an island until 1971 when it was artificially joined to mainland Saint Lucia. It is home to Fort Rodney, where the British spied on the French in Martinique during their disputes.
Fact 17: Street Parties Galore
Saint Lucia is known for its vibrant street parties. One of the most popular is Gros Islet’s Friday night street party with copious food, rum, and music that goes on till dawn.
Fact 18: Christmas Wind
Saint Lucia experiences a phenomenon known as the "Christmas winds" in December, providing ideal conditions for windsurfing. It's a consistent and robust trade wind that attracts surfers worldwide and is associated with the island's folklore.
Fact 19: Inspiring Local Drinks
A local favorite, the "Green Fig and Saltfish," is the national dish of Saint Lucia best enjoyed with island’s local Piton beer or the Chairman's Reserve Rum famous worldwide.
Fact 20: The Legendary Maria Islands
The Maria Islands are two small islets off Saint Lucia's coast that cast a spell over visitors with their untouched natural beauty. They serve as a reserve for endemic reptiles, like the world's rarest snake, the Saint Lucia Racer, and the Saint Lucia Whiptail lizard.