Caribbean culture

The history of the Caribbean is rich with blended cultures and natural diversity. Historically, many Caribbean countries were part of the British Empire and so Caribbean culture is akin to British culture and communities are present in many areas of the UK, including Bury.

Values and tradition

The Afro-Caribbean culture is very expressive, tropical and even carnival-like and Caribbeans are known for their calm and easy going nature. There is a great emphasis on food, music, colours and festivals with most of these features rooted in African tradition and religions. The Caribbean culture is an amalgamation of various cultures including Indian, African, American, English, Chinese, and European. Gospel music is central to traditional culture and Rastafarianism, which developed in Jamaica is associated with personal symbols such as dreadlocks.

Language

The major traditional Caribbean languages are Patois and Creole. The historical connection with the British Empire means that immigrants from the Caribbean are generally fluent in English with various accents.

Traditional Caribbean religions fall into three main groups - Ifa, Rastafarianism and Santeria. Christianity is the most widely followed religion and Evangelical Protestant denominations including Pentecostalism and Seventh Day Baptism have been introduced into British Caribbean cultures. New churches in many areas of the UK have grown to act as social centres for the Caribbean community.

Recreation

Music is considered of great importance in the culture and Caribbean influences have had a major impact on British music. Jamaican music styles reached Britain in the1960's, and reggae, hip hop, house, jungle and drum and bass all have Caribbean roots.

Festivals combining music and dance are celebrated in traditional culture as well as in the UK. Gospelfest, held annually, is a spiritual festival to celebrate the Caribbean island of Barbados developed by Barbadians to express their African heritage through Christian music.

Caribbeans have enjoyed success in many sports including Football, Rugby, Cricket and Athletics with many individuals with Caribbean roots representing Britain in the International sporting arena.

Cuisine

Traditional Caribbean dishes include curried goat, fried dumplings, salt fish, plantain, steamed cabbage and rice and peas. Chicken is a particular favourite and the most recognized Caribbean dish within the UK is spicy jerk chicken.

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