History
The earliest written records dating back to 1656, suggest that Caribs named Carriacou ‘Kayryouacou’ – meaning ‘land surrounded by reef’. Archaeological discoveries of pottery tools from approximately 1000 AD reveal that Arawaks and Caribs from South America were the first settlers on the island.
The French were the first European settlers in Carriacou. In 1763, it was surrendered along with Grenada to the British. Although the majority of Carriacou’s inhabitants are of African descent, European influences can still be found in the way Carriacouians live and also in the names of our towns, cities, and people.
On the shores of Carriacou, you will see rows of locally built boats, from small fishing sloops to large trading schooners. The village of Windward was home to a group of Scottish boat builders who settled in Carriacou during the 19th century and passed on their practices, which are still used in boat building today. You can still witness boats being built in the traditional way on the beaches of Carriacou.
Culture
Carriacouians have rich traditions and customs passed through generations influenced by their African and European ancestors. There are so many cultural experiences to take in and capture-worthy celebrations, be it as a witness to a traditional wedding or boat-launching event, watching the Big Drum Nation Dance or Shakespeare Mas, or taking part in All Saint Candle Lighting ‘Pass Play’ and Fishermen Birthday Celebrations.
In the village of Windward, sailing boats were built using traditional methods passed down by Scottish settlers in Carriacou. A number of initiatives have been put in place to encourage young people to learn to art of boat building by producing model boats, and the excitement of boat building is kept alive through the annual Carriacou Regatta held in the month of August.
Boat building and boat launching is a tradition taken very seriously in Carriacou. At boat launching events, goats and sheep are sacrificed. Their blood and holy water are sprinkled onto the boats and a priest blesses them in a naming ceremony. Children chosen to be Godchildren of the boat are dressed in bright colors and line the deck. After the ceremony, the shoals are cut down and everyone pulls the ropes to launch the boat into the sea.
In addition to Carriacou Regatta, there is Tombstone Feast, known to our people as ‘Saraca’. When someone dies, young men go out on donkeys chanting ‘Sake tan pale lot, who hear tell the others Mr. so-and-so dead’. At the wake, which can be up to 7 days before the burial, hymns are sung and bush tea is served to mourners. The term ‘Happy Hour’ is now more commonly used, and alcoholic and canned beverages are served instead. A stone feast occurs three years after someone has died with a tombstone bearing information of the deceased’s name, date of birth, and death. It is then installed when relatives travel from overseas to be part of the Saraca feast.
The people of Carriacou celebrate the African tribes they originated from through music and dance. The names of these tribes are Ibo, Congo, Temne, Mandinka, Chamba, and Kromati. The ‘Big Drum Dance’ or ‘Nation Dance’ of Carriacou is widely celebrated alongside other performances known as the Kalenda, Juba, Belair, Granbelair, Hallecud, and Bongo, which are danced at weddings, boat launchings, tombstone feasts, and Maroons.
The three symbolic drums are made from small wooden rum kegs painted red, with a drum surface made from goatskin. The treble drum, which is the largest, is placed in the centre, with small bass drums on each side. These are all played with open palms while women shake Shac Shacs (organic instruments) and sing. People are encouraged to sing along and dance to the rhythmic sounds of the drum.
The Quadrille Dance, which originates from France, is usually performed in the village of L’Esterre. It is the second most popular dance in Carriacou and, unlike the ‘Big Drum Dance’, the music is provided by world-renowned artiste Canute Calliste, who plays the violin alongside three other musicians.
The Maroon festival is an important aspect of life in Carriacou. During a ‘Maroon’ villagers come together and cook traditional foods and partake in the big ‘Big Drum Dance’. The annual Maroon and String Band Music Festival is a three-day event of activities that showcase a display of local food, crafts, music, and dance. The entire island comes together to make it a fun-filled event and it is deemed a major tourist attraction.
