Though the official language of St. Lucia is English, Saint Lucian Creole French is spoken by the majority of the population. About 70% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic church, though several other Protestant churches are present on the island as well. Music and dancing are both important to the culture of St. Lucia. St. Lucia’s Carnival and annual Jazz Festival are both popular cultural events. Calypso, soca, reggae, and dancehall music are also popular. Cricket is the country’s most popular sport, though soccer is also played. The national dish of St. Lucia is fish served with green banana. Soups and stews are popular, as are Indian-style curry dishes. Rice and peas, potatoes, and other ingredients and spices are regularly used in cooking.
