Caribbean lifestyle is without doubt a product of its tropical setting. The music, architecture, attitudes and customs have all, in some way, been shaped by the physical landscape and climate. The cultures of the Caribbean countries are a blend of colonial mainstays and pervasive influences by major ethnic groups of the region such as East Indians and Africans.

Barbados, a former British colony, retains enough British traditions to be called "Little England." Antigua, while offering a more laid-back attitude, still observes old British customs. On the other hand, Jamaica retains few of the colonial customs, relies heavily on pre-colonial heritage and is passionately self-sufficient. Jamaica also boasts a successful democracy and maintains a peaceful existence in the Caribbean. Its residents run the gamut from staid English aristocrats to vibrant Rastafarians.

Aruba, once a Dutch possession, only retains slight Dutch influence today. The U.S. Virgin Islands, purchased from the Dutch in 1917, mainly have an American feel with a few lingering elements of Dutch culture. The Dominican Republic is largely underdeveloped except in the capital of Santo Domingo, a city teeming with two million people. It is a sparsely populated, mountainous country whose past is riddled with political turmoil.

In contrast, nearby Puerto Rico is the most modern island in the Caribbean. Spanish and American influences are apparent throughout this island abounding with high-rises and traffic. Guadeloupe remains a French possession. There are some African influences here, but French customs, culture, and language prevail.

The Caribbean Culture in Saint Lucia blends the influences of African, French and English heritage. St. Lucia's language is English but creole, a form of French patois, remains an influential secondary language.

Saint Lucian cultural festivals include La Rose and La Marguerite, the one representing the Rosecrucian order, the other one representing Freemasonry, as seen in a mural painted by Dunstan St. Omer, which depicts the holy trinity of Osiris, Horus and Isis. The Christmas season is celebrated and a number of small festivals and parades take place throughout the island.

Saint Lucia also celebrates a cultural festival known as Jounen Kweyol (Creole Day). This is celebrated each year on the week of the 27th of October. On the Sunday of this week, the various towns chosen to host this festival put out the result of their grand preparations; local food and drink such as breadfruit and salt fish, manicou (agouti) and roast bake, lime drinks, guava drinks and more. Most people commemorate this day by wearing the island's national wear known as the madras. Persons who do not want to wear the extreme layers of skirts and dresses make clothing out of the special plaid material. All of the above is a representation of Jounen Kweyol.