Saint Lucia Independence Day is annually observed on February 22 to commemorate the day in 1979 when Saint Lucia attained full independence from the United Kingdom. Saint Lucia was first inhabited by the Arawaks and Caribs before the French and British colonised the island in the 17th century. Saint Lucia was formerly known as Iyanola by the Arawaks and later as Hewanorra by the Caribs. Due to its frequent transitions between French and British control, the island was also known as Helen of the West Indies. In 1814, the French formally ceded the territory to the British.
The background of St. Lucia Independence Day
Saint Lucia celebrates its independence from the United Kingdom on February 22 each year. A ceremony, annual military parade, street parade, tennis tournaments, church services, cultural exhibitions, and concerts are typically held on this day. The day prior, February 21, the eve of Independence Day, is National Colors Day, when people are encouraged to wear something that reflects the national colours.
Saint Lucia is an island nation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea and the Western Indies. Its first confirmed inhabitants were the Arawaks, who are believed to have arrived between 200 and 400 A.D. Around 800 A.D., the Caribs arrived and seized power from the Arawaks. Due to the high number of iguanas on the island, the Arawaks named it Iyanola, which means “Land of the Iguanas.” The Caribs originally referred to this island as Hewanarau, then Hewanorra. In addition, it was known as Helen of the West Indies because the French and British fought over it.
The first Europeans to settle on Saint Lucia were the French, who signed a treaty with the Caribs in 1660. The British seized control of the island in 1663. They were then involved in 14 wars with the French, resulting in frequent rule changes on the island. As part of the Treaty of Paris, Saint Lucia was officially ceded to the British in 1814, and it became one of the British Windward Islands colonies. Saint Lucia joined the West Indies Federation in 1958 and the West Indies Associated States in 1967, becoming a self-governing island in the process. Saint Lucia attained complete independence on February 22, 1979, under Sir John Compton of the conservative United Workers Party (U.W.P.).
ST. LUCIA INDEPENDENCE DAY ACTIVITIES
Observe the national dress
You are encouraged to wear the national colours of Saint Lucia the day before Independence Day. Since it comes in four hues, you still have colour options for the day.
Join the festivities
There will be celebrations for Saint Lucia’s Independence Day. It is a day off, so you may want to join your fellow Saint Lucians in the streets for celebrations.
Hold an event
Join forces with your community to organise an event commemorating Saint Lucia’s independence. It can be as easy as wearing national colours and gathering in the neighbourhood.
5 INTERESTING FACTS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT SAINT LUCIA
Saint Lucia was named after the Christian martyr Lucia of Syracuse, making it the only country to be named after a woman.
Jacquot, also known as the Saint Lucia parrot, is endemic to Saint Lucia and its national bird.
Saint Lucia’s Sulphur Springs is home to the only accessible volcano in the world.
Saint Lucia is home to a World Heritage Site, the Gros and Petit Piton mountains.
Saint Lucia produces its own pilsner, known as Piton, which is a local favourite.
ST. LUCIA INDEPENDENCE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 22 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 22 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 22 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 22 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 22 | Monday |
