St Lucia Independence Day

This day commemorates the day when Saint Lucia gained its complete independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. It was first colonised by the French and British in the 17th century after being inhabited by the Arawaks and Caribs. It was previoulsy called Lyanola by the Aarawks and Hewanorra by the Caribs, and then known as Helen of the West Indies due to being frequently switched between the French and British control. It was then officially ceded to the British by the French in 1814. There are typically events held on the day including a ceremony, annual military parade, street parade, tennis tournaments, church services, culture exhibitions and concerts. The day before is National Colors Day, where people are encouraged to wear something reflective of the country’s national colours.