West Indina Culture

West Indian Culture

'Out of many people, One Culture’ – West Indian Culture - A way of life.

“Out of many, one people” - the motto of the Jamaican national flag, sums up the diversity of cultures which over the centuries have come together to make up what defines West Indian culture.

This motto can be seen to be symbolic of the philosophy of the wider West Indies. West Indian culture tells the story of a dynamic cultural situation which is the continuation of a meeting – or clashing of, cultures that has been going on for hundreds of years.

This began in the 15th century when African and European people came together to trade. Later this trade manufactured goods for slaves and raw materials to work on the plantations in the New World – West Indies, home of the Arawak and Carib peoples. Since then, the West Indies have been home to other communities brought together by the Colonial masters to toil the land for the benefit of ‘The Motherland’.

These communities include, poor white indentured labourers, Malay Chinese, Indians and European plantation owners. From this milieu has emerged a rich, vibrant, resilient and creative culture.

Food 

Seafood, chicken with rice, jerk, roast pork and pepperpot are all traditional popular foods in caribbean culture. It is important to note the food within the carnival's celebrations to have a greater idea of colour and culture. The aromas are a strong part of the vibe of the gathering and is a strong attraction for the thousands that turn out. 

Music

Obviously being a huge aspect of the festival, West Indian Music is an infusion of instruments and harmonies that combine to create this elaborate display of community, which has powered the success of this carnival. 

Caribbean music genres are diverse. They are each syntheses of African, Europbean and Indian and Indigenous influences, largely created by descendants of African slaves (Afro-Caribbean). It holds strong international influence resulting Caribbean music that reflects the culture of the people. Although there are musical commonalities among Caribbean nations and territories, the variation in immigration patterns and colonial hegemony tend to parallel the variations in musical influence.