First named by Columbus, who sighted the island on St Lucy's day in 1502, St Lucia has changed hands many times. Independence was gained in 1979 and is commemorated with parades throughout the island.

The days of Holy Week are the most solemn on the St Lucian calendar, when the island's dominant Catholic traditions are most evident, particularly on Good Friday, a day of church services and…

Fish and fishermen are central to St Lucia's economy and lifestyle. The Fishermen's Feast St Peter's Day begins with a church service, followed by the blessing of brightly-decorated boats and…

St Lucia's Carnival is the most extravagant event on the island. Every year people throng and block the streets of Castries in colourful costumes to parade to the latest soca and calypso hits.…

St Lucia's rural Feast of La Marguerite on 17 October every year honours the humble daisy. La Marguerite flower society members dressed as kings, queens, nurses and other distinct characters…

Tuck into Creole food and soak up Creole music and folklore on International Creole Day in St Lucia. Fellow French-influenced Caribbean islands also celebrate their unique and rich culture on…

St Lucians actively celebrate their National Day on 13 December with sporting, cultural and religious activities. The Festival of Lights and Renewal is also a traditional lantern-making…

Pigeon Island National Landmark is an island reserve off Pigeon Point, joined to the mainland in 1972 by a man-made causeway. At various times it has been conquered by Amerindians, pirates…

The dramatic underwater landscape created by the volcanic peaks which surge out of the ocean to form the island of St Lucia is ablaze with coral and schools of fish - all accessible to the…