Cultural Diversity in the

Caribbean

Caribbean Legacy
Our rich Caribbean heritage is aptly
depicted in the Jamaican motto, 'Out of
many one people'. Over 70 per cent of
our population is composed of individuals
of African descent.

However, the contribution of other ethnic

groups, such as the Indians and Chinese
to the social and economic development
of the region cannot go unnoticed.

The Amerindians
The first recorded
settlers of the
Caribbean.
They have left the
following with us:
barbequed fish and
other meat, the
making of cassava
bread and pepper
pot, and the
smoking of
tobacco.

The Europeans
Europe's
interaction with
the Caribbean
began in 1492
with the
Spanishsponsored
voyages of
Christopher
Columbus.

Cultural impact:
Birth - christening of the baby.
Marriage - exogamy, engagement,
courtship. Something old, something
new, something borrowed and
something blue. Throwing of the garter,
bouquet. Throwing rice, honeymoon and
special wedding gown.
Dances - Quadrille, maypole, etc.
Religion - Christianity, Roman Catholic,
Protestants and Judaism.
Diet - Escoveitched fish, peas and bean
dishes. Jerked meat, the making of
buns, cakes, puddings, cheese, ham,
bacon, wines, etc.

The Africans
Over many
decades, as
many as 20
million Africans
were brought to
the Caribbean
islands by force.

Birth - ceremonial cutting of the

'navel string'. Mother stays in for
nine days after giving birth.
Death - wake, belief in spirits and
ghost.
Marriage - special wedding
garments, act of giving gifts,
betrothal, wedding ceremony and
ritual.
Dances - Jonkonnu, kumina,
Dinki-Mini and Bruckins, etc.
Religion - Orisha, Kumina,
Shango, etc.
Medicines - herbal cures, folk
medicines, and bush doctor.
Music/instruments - folk music,
mento music, banjo, drums

The Asians - Indians

They arrived as indentured
labourers between 1845
and 1917. At the end of
the indentureship
contract, many Indians
reverted to their ancestral
occupations; some
became fishermen or
farmers, and others
became barbers,
goldsmiths, ironsmiths and
moneylenders.

The Asians - Chinese

The Chinese represent a small
proportion of the Caribbean
population; nevertheless, their
impact have been great,
particularly in the area of
commerce.
The Chinese were brought as
indentured labourers to work
on the plantations following
the emancipation of the slaves.
They soon left the plantation
and set up businesses, small
grocery shops into large
enterprises embracing not only
retailing, but also wholesaling.

The Asians
Marriage endogamy and
may even be
arranged. Special
wedding garments.
Religion Hinduism, Islam
and Buddhism.
Diet/food - roti,
curried goat, rice,
pak choi, spices
and vegetables.

This cultural diversity gives the

Caribbean its unique identity.
These traditions by the
ethnic groups have
developed into a Caribbean
culture that spans the
artistic, musical, literary,
culinary, political and social
elements.
Over time, major elements
of other cultures, due to the
global age and the influence
of other immigrant
populations, have become
incorporated into the
mainstream Caribbean
culture. For e.g.: The USA

Cultural Preservation
Caribbean
governments have
greatly helped to
enhance our culture
through various
cultural programmes,
laws and institutions.

Cultural Expressions
Music
Dance
Caribbean Folklore
Caribbean Festivals

Music
Most artistes use music
to voice their opinions
on the state of local
politics, global issues or
current issues in their
country.
soca
mento
steel pan
reggae
calypso

Dance
There are many
dance forms on the
islands and popular
dance forms change
rapidly.
dinki mini
gerreh
tambu
maypole
quadrille

Today

Caribbean Folklore
Folklore differs from one
country to another. Each
country is different but the
common thread is that it is
mainly of West African origin.

Anansi Story
Ring Games
Other Fairytale Characters
Plays (Shebada & Miss Lou)
Movies

Caribbean Festivals
The Caribbean is
famous for its festivals
which display, dance,
music, food and other
aspects of culture.

Crop Over
Diwali
Hosay
Reggae Sumfest