Colors of Tortola - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

European and African traditions and customs surprisingly coexist on Tortola. The indigenous population was almost completely exterminated or assimilated during colonization. All of the present inhabitants are descendants of the first Europeans from Wales and Northern areas of Britain and Africans who were brought here to work on plantations. Despite past differences in status and rights, there is no racial hatred on Tortola now. Locals are tolerant to different religious customs, traditions and rituals of those who come to the island. Tortola inhabitants are politically correct and do not like to discuss racism, chauvinism and other forms of harassment. You should not delve deeply into the history of relations between the current inhabitants and the native Indians.

By the way, note that although the main spoken language here is English, you will not understand every Islander. The fact is that the vast majority of Tortola residents speak the West Indian dialect, which includes a large number of words of African, Danish, Spanish and French. This language was spread in the colonies of Britain and remains unchanged among the local population to this day. However, people in tourist places usually speak British English. Here you shouldn’t be afraid to walk alone on the streets of the settlements. The island has almost no violent crimes due to a stable economy and low unemployment.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of local residents belongs to the Christian denomination, many people still have faith in the jambis-spirits, which surprisingly does not come into conflict with Protestantism and Catholicism. Jambis cannot be considered exceptionally evil characters, even though they are. In the opinion of the islanders, the spirits are responsible for the failure and unhappiness. On Tortola from mouth to mouth are passed on legends about the feats of the spirits and their adventures. In General, local culture has a strong tradition of oral folklore - jambis appear even in political and satirical notes. They are something like national heroes here and at the same time folklore characters familiar to every Islander. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The best way to learn local customs and traditions is to visit Road Town, the island's capital, during the BVI Summer Festival on August 7-9. Performances of local circus and theatre groups, carnival processions, master classes of artisans and cooks, songs and dances – in a word, you will not get bored here. The festival allows plunging into the culture of the locals for a couple of days. The holiday is dedicated to the day of liberation from slavery. Events dedicated to Christmas and Easter are less bright than the summer festival but the city is decorated with many Christian symbols, and there are festive events in the local churches.

Foxy's Music Festival is held at the beginning of March. It is quite an interesting event where you can watch concerts by local performers of traditional and contemporary music. The same events take place in May 6, during the annual Music Festival. The Fisherman’s Day is held on July 4. You can enjoy dishes made of fresh catch and watch sports fishing competitions. Windsurfers come to Tortola for the Highland Springs HIHO Races held late June or early July. This event is known as the World's Greatest Windsurfing and Sailing Adventure and takes both windsurfers and sailors on a 7-day journey through the British Virgin Islands. The competition ends with a Grand party right on the beach.

Throughout the island, it is customary to greet each other, even if you don’t know the person. Unlike many countries in the Caribbean, Tortola residents behave much more restrained, especially in remote settlements. On the other hand, Tortola inhabitants are not prudish as British people. It is customary to shake hands regardless of age and social status and be polite to all people. Locals will not appreciate a tourist in a beach suit walking around the city streets, and it is prohibited to smoke at most bars and public places.