The Culture of St. John

Information for Caribbean Vacations in St. John

English is the language spoken by the vast majority in St. John, however there is a minority population who speak Creole and some immigrants speak Spanish. Approximately 76% of the citizens are Black, descended from the former sugarcane plantation slaves, 13% are White and the rest a mixture of other races.

Music!

The most common music native to St. John is the scratch band (or fungi band) which uses improvised instruments. The music most associated with the scratch bands is known as Quelbe, a form of tropical folk song filled with innuendo and double entendres. Calypso, reggae and socca music has become popular since the growth of the tourism industry.

Entertainment

St. John feels very much like the small island that it is. The people are welcoming and friendly and like to hang out, have a drink, exchange stories and listen to music. If this laid back style is your idea of the perfect vacation, you will enjoy the small bars and open air watering holes of St. John. Coral Bay and Cruz Bay are both popular locations for local entertainment.

Cuisine

The Restaurants on St. John will provide a wide selection of enjoyable dining environments. Choose from casual outdoor dining to five course meals on patios over looking moonlit beaches, you will enjoy it all. Experienced chefs create mouth-watering dishes, offering a large selection from continental cuisine to French, Italian and Caribbean foods. The Virgin Islands are well known for the local Cruzan Rum.