From explorations of the island’s legacy from pre-Colonial days to the present, St Kitts offers visitors a rich cultural and heritage experience
St Kitts Tourism Authority press release November 20, 2006
Travellers looking to augment their stay on St Kitts’ sandy beaches can enjoy a comprehensive vacation experience with a wealth of culture and rich heritage in which to become immersed. To truly embrace the destination and gain an understanding of its island life, this culture and heritage "Top Ten" list offers a do-it-yourself itinerary for learning about what makes St Kitts so unique, laid back and spiritually fulfilling.
For a well-rounded “Top Ten” sampling of St Kitts’ culture and heritage, explore the following:
1. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park: Visitors will feel the island’s history come alive at the top of this magnificent 17th century fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage site in the Eastern Caribbean. Perched 800 feet above sea level with spectacular views of its surroundings, its now dormant cannons still point outward toward the harbour where they once guarded against invaders from the sea. A brief introductory video provides a thorough summation of the fortress’ history, while books on Brimstone Hill and the history of St Kitts can be purchased in the gift shop.
2. Romney Manor/Caribelle batik: Another must-see on the St Kitts activity agenda, this local artisan factory produces intricate hand-made batik fabrics from fine, locally-grown cotton using traditional methods and techniques. Watch the artisans work and learn how batik is created, then shop for souvenirs in the factory store or stroll amongst the romantic property gardens. Located at Romney Manor, one of the island’s old estate great houses on land originally owned by William Jefferson, great-great-grandfather of US President Thomas Jefferson, the nine-acre property has lush gardens and stately ruins to enjoy.
3. Carib Indian petroglyphs: Visitors can close their eyes and almost see St Kitts in its pre-Colonial days while running a finger over the ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock near the entrance to Romney Manor. Created by the island’s original inhabitants, the Carib Indians, the carvings are believed to be images of their gods and even today many locals believe that touching these images can bring luck or even fertility.
4. The Sugar Train: For a truly unique and picturesque view of St Kitts, buy a ticket aboard the Caribbean’s only scenic passenger railway and be swept along on a nostalgic trip encircling the northern part of the island. Using tracks originally built to transport sugar, the train trip offers a poignant insight into the quaint villages and towns along the way. Schoolchildren and construction workers all stop to wave hello to passengers as the train rolls by and a traditionally dressed choir sings Kittitian folk songs while sugar cakes, a popular island dessert, are served.
5. Local artisan galleries: Found at locations throughout the island and in the capital Basseterre, local art and craft galleries display and sell items created by the hands of resident artists, each with a distinct island flavour. For example, there is a glass-blowing shop located off the Circus featuring unique items and the Kate Spencer gallery features her exquisite oils and watercolours depicting life on St Kitts in brightly coloured, finely imagined portraits. Visit the nearby National Museum and ask for the galleries of Rosie Cameron or Dennis Delaney, or walk through the Amina Craft Market for a truly Caribbean experience.
6. The City Circus: Featuring majestic old-style architecture, this central taxi stand area at the heart of Basseterre is a spot where both tourists and locals alike congregate. The Circus is a perfect location from which to observe the hustle and bustle of St Kitts’ capital city, which was the first French capital in the Caribbean. Basseterre’s many historic buildings reflect a mixture of French and British architectural influences, a result of the settlement of the island by these two former colonial superpowers. In a nod to the island’s British heritage, the Circus is modelled after the British Piccadilly Circus in London and its centerpiece is the Berkeley Memorial Clock. Also located close by is Independence Square, a garden-type memorial and a historic site of a former colonial slave market.
7. Taxicabs: Aside from being a great way to tour the island, taxicabs offer a distinct insight into the soul of the island’s culture. The comfortable vans are each uniquely decorated and themed to express the driver’s personality. Even better, the drivers are enthusiastic, well versed and eager to tell vacationers all there is to know about the island, including tips on their favourite local foods and restaurants, and where to spot some of St Kitts’ many playful and amusing green vervet monkeys. Ask to visit Black Rocks, the magnificent volcanic rock formations on the northern coast, or Old Road Town, the historic capital and site of the first English settlement in the entire Caribbean. Better yet, feel free to just jump into any taxi and tell the operator to show you the best of his island.
8. Carnival: Perhaps the most exciting and captivating display of St Kitts’ heritage is the unique folklore and pageantry of the annual National Carnival celebration, a time when local residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate the island’s unique sights, sounds and traditions. Carnival spans from Boxing Day to New Year’s and events take place at various sites across the island. This colourful display of island culture includes lively parades, elegant balls, j’ouvert, street parties, music from calypso to soul and more. It is a distinctive experience, combining Carnival with the religious observance of Christmas through song, dance, drama and poetry.
9. Plantation inns: Scattered across the countryside, the stately ruins of old sugar plantations rise from amongst the cane fields, a physical reminder of days gone by when St Kitts was renowned for its sugar production. Many of these elegant plantation houses and their sugar mills have been converted into charming boutique inns, where guests can enjoy serenity and relaxation while sipping a cool cocktail or quietly watching the sunset from the verandah.
10. Warner Park Stadium: Newly renovated and expanded to host upcoming ICC World Cup Cricket matches in March 2007, this 80-year-old venue is named after the first English Governor in the Caribbean, Sir Thomas Warner. It is also the site of the annual St Kitts Music Festival, where locals and visitors alike become part of a community bound together by a shared love of all genres of music. Alternately, Kittitians are happy to explain the difference between a “googly” and a “zooter” to interested tourists at an exciting cricket match, so they can learn about and enjoy one of the island’s celebrated national pastimes.
Disclaimer: The information in this article/release was accurate at
press time; however, we suggest you confirm all details and prices
directly with vendors.
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