Culture and History In St. Barts
Though, like most of the Caribbean islands, St. Barts is known mostly for its sun and surf, there is actually so much more. Beyond the soft warm beaches and the scent of sunscreen lies an island filled with history and culture. If you want to truly experience St. Barts and its people, then consider a visit to Colossol. With so much to do and see, you will that it is worth your time to experience this St. Barts original.
Colossol, one of the oldest villages on St. Barts is a great place to see traditional fisherman docking and selling the fruits of their age old profession. There, the markets offer up the catches. In those same markets, you may see and meet the elder women of the village as they weave the latania palm leaves beautifully. Stroll the area and take in the culture, the people, and maybe even some of the local cuisine.
Take some time to stroll around the village and see the traditional Cases, which are the homes of native St. Barts residents. These homes, built to withstand ocean weather, sit on stone bases with lumber that has been sunk into concrete. They are made short to the ground with doors and windows facing west, away from the harsh winds. Brightly colored, the homes traditionally have kitchens in a separate building to keep heat down as well as fire risk. On the inside, the homes feature hammocks which take up much less room than traditional beds, are cooler, and allow more people to sleep in one home. The Cases are a real glimpse into the culture of St. Barts.
Beyond such sites, you can also visit the Inter Oceans Museum. An absolute must see if for not other reason than their collection of over 9,000 seashells. With unique and awe-inspiring specimens, it is one of the only seashell museums in the world. Additionally, you can find sand from beaches around the world. The museum is truly a celebration of global beaches and oceans.
If you are still missing those Caribbean beaches, then you can make your way down to the Corossol Beach. This fishermen’s beach is located in the central part of the village. It is home to or docking site for dozens of fishing boats with varying and vibrant colors. The beach is also, often times, home to beach volleyball games and tournaments. So both the gamesmen and the lover of games will have something to enjoy as the culture of the village meets the attraction of the Caribbean beach.
As you can see, the village of Corossol has a lot to offer to not only the locals, but also visitors to St. Barts. With a real finger on the pulse of the island’s culture, the village has a little something for everyone. You can enjoy traditional fishing boats, local crafts, food, and even beaches. Beyond that, there are the homes and overall village to take in. All in all, a day spent in Corossol is a nice break from days on the beach sipping drinks and lying on deck chairs.
