10 Astonishing Facts About The Caribbean Region
Photo by Emily Bauman on Unsplash
The year 2020 began with a pandemic that left us all quarantined in our homes. All our traveling plans came to a halt and two months into the quarantine, and we all are craving a good vacation. There is no place I want to visit more than the Caribbean Islands once the lockdown lifts off!
The relaxing vibes of the Caribbean islands and rich history are all I need, to get over our traveling blues.
While you must have heard about the relaxing and rejuvenating experience of the Caribbean Region, chances are you don't know much about the Island itself.
So today, I'm going to share 10 facts about the Caribbean region that you might not know!
10 Astonishing Facts About The Caribbean Region
1. The Name - Caribbean Region:
The Caribbean Region, also known as the Island Countries, is a vast region that includes 26 countries, the entire Caribbean ocean, and all the islands, islets, and independent islands surrounding it, which are more than 7000 in total.
Yes, the Caribbean itself is not a country but a region, which is what gives it its name - The Caribbean Region. Other than the 26 countries, the region comprises islands that belong to several different countries such as Britain, the United States of America, Netherlands, and France.
While the name the Caribbean evolved from the word Carib. The Caribbean region it is called the “Caribbean” for when Christopher Columbus and his men were exploring the area during their second voyage they stumbled upon a native tribe. During Columbus’s second voyage in the hopes of exploring a direct route to Asia without surpassing the Portugal waters, he arrived in the Caribbean region, which he falsely thought was India.
It wasn't until his 3rd voyage to the area that he realized he was farthest away from India. During this voyage, he came upon a tribe that was fierce and was ready to fight Columbus and his army away. He named these people Caribs and even falsely accused them of being Cannibals. However, after the final Invasion of the Europeans, a vast decrease in the population of Caribs was seen, until they went extinct.
2. The Deepest Point in The Caribbean Sea And It’s Location:
The Caribbean Sea is a vast body of water which is considered one of the few largest water bodies in the world, stretching over 1.6 million square miles. On average, the Caribbean Sea is 8,685 ft deep, while the deepest point yet discovered is around 22,788 ft below surface level.
The deepest point in the Caribbean lies in the Cayman trench, which is located right between Jamaica and Cuba. The Cayman Trench is surrounded by three Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands, as well as the Cayman Sea, are all properties of Great Britain.
Also, to note, The Caribbean Sea has the world's second-biggest barrier reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It runs 1,000 km (620 mi) along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
3. The Caribbean Also Referred To As West Indies:
Did you know the West Indies Cricket team represents the region of the Caribbean?
Remember, I mentioned above that Columbus mistakenly thought he was in India when he was actually in the Caribbean. While he stayed there, he named it West indies, in order to differentiate it from India that was situated in the East. The European invaders adapted the name West Indies despite knowing that this was not India. It was much later that the name the Caribbean became common.
Still, the cricket team from this region is popularly known as West Indies.
4. Largest Island Within The Caribbean
The largest island in the Caribbean region in Cuba. It is one of the 4 islands that make up the Greater Antilles. The capital city of Cuba is Havana, which is surrounded by smaller densely populated communities, all of which together make up the island of Cuba.
If you hold an American Passport, there is some bad news. Americans aren't allowed entry in the Cuban island as tourists. There are other ways, however, that you could try to enter Cuba, such as for business, religious or educational purposes.
Whichever the case, a visa from the Cuban Embassy is a must before you book your tickets!
However, once you are in, you’ll be mesmerized by the rich culture and vast history the Island of Cuba has in store! From the famous world heritage sites, eye-catching architecture, unique variety of animals and plants, and the humble abode of the people of Cuba - you are in for a treat!!
5. The Book - Don’t Stop the Carnival
In 1965, a former gag writer Herman Wouk, now famously known for his work in Historical Fiction, wrote a book based largely around a mid-life crisis-stricken man’s escape to a fictional Caribbean Island.
Based on the writer’s own experience of working at the Royal Mail Inn hotel, the book is about a middle-aged new yorker, who worked as a press agent. But the hustling city life was doing no good to his career or life, so he decided to escape to an Island named Amerigo in the Caribbean and work as a hotel manager.
From the escape to heaven turned hell experience as a hotel manager, the book is a page-turner!
Three decades after the publication of the book, the book was adapted and turned into a Broadway musical. It was later adapted by Jimmy Buffet and published as an album under his name.
6. Caribbean Cuisine:
The thought of Caribbean Island brings forth the image of blue waters, white sand, and tropical drinks in hand! But it was after I paid a visit I learned that there was more to the Caribbean than just the beaches.
For me, it was the Food that was beyond all my imaginations. Caribbean cuisine is a mix of several different cuisines. The cuisine takes its influence from European cuisines like French, Dutch and Spanish, Indian cuisine, African Cuisine, and British cuisine. You can see an element or two of each cuisine on Islands of the Caribbean region.
The tropical region of the Caribbean is widely known for its fresh produce of tropical fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Other popular ingredients include Chicken, Meat, tons of spices, and Rice. Caribbean cuisine is highly influenced by African cuisine. That's because the African slaves that came to the Caribbean during the European rule settled here and brought with them their cuisine. They introduced fish cakes, ackee, salt fish, mangoes, okra, and pudding into the region.
The Chinese brought in Rice and mustard, while the Portugals introduced codfish. Dates, figs, tamarind, plantains, oranges, coconuts, and grapes were brought in by the Spanish settlers. While the Americans brought in their staple potatoes, tomatoes, corn, beans, and chili flakes. Rice, also known as ‘peas’ by the West Indies, is a staple in all islands. It is served with fruits like coconut and mango in some regions, or with meat in some, while with sauces and beans in the rest! The Caribbean cuisine is highly dependable on fresh vegetables, which makes up at least half of each dish.
All in all, from goat stews, jerk chicken, freshly grilled lobsters to pelau, the Caribbean food is full of taste and culture.
7. Music Culture – Reggae
Have you heard of Bob Marley? If not, you are missing out on some classical music.
Jamaican island situated in the Caribbean Region is known for the invention of this classic music genre. Did you Reggae is one of the few things that largely adds to the Jamaican economy?
The word reggae comes from “rege-rege,” a Jamaican phrase meaning “rags or ragged clothing,” suggesting a raggedy style of music. It is a mix between the original Jamaican music genres - ska and rocksteady. Reggae is impeccably influenced by American Jazz, blues, and R&B. Reggae music is largely based on the drum beats and bass. The bass is usually set to heavy and is the key feature of the whole tune. Another thing that sets Reggae apart from the other types of music is its offbeat rhythm.
What made Reggae popular outside the Caribbean was the title song of the movie The Harder They Come, starring Jimmy Cliff, in 1973. The release of the film was the first step towards the introduction of Reggae music to the film industry. In 1974 the cover of Bob Marley’s I Shot The Sheriff by Eric Clapton made the Reggae genre spread far and beyond. It could be heard playing all over the world on all the hot radio stations. That day until today, Reggae has become a large and influential part of the music industry all over the world.
8. Pink And Black Beaches:
The Caribbean means loads of white sandy beaches and deep blue water. But what if I tell you there is more to the Caribbean than just white sands. Yes, pink and black sand!! If you ever get over the white sand, which I'm sure will never be, you can walk your way to the pink beaches of the Caribbean.
One such beach is The Pink Sand beach located in the Bahamas. The sand is naturally a coral shade. The sand gets that perfect shade of pink thanks to a tiny - not visible to the naked eye - an organism that lives under the coral reef. This insect has a red-colored shell, which is what gives the sand its pink hue. When the insect dies, it washes up on the beachfront, and the bright red shell mixes with the sand giving it the perfect coral hue. Just as beautiful pink sand beaches look, black sand beaches are as calming and soothing to the eyes, especially when paired with a cool breeze and the night sky lit with stars.
Black beaches are found naturally on volcanic islands. Where a previous volcanic eruption had occurred. The lava, upon meeting with the ocean, turns into black fragments and rocks and sinks to the ocean floor. With the advent of time, these fragments turn into fine sand that makes up most part of the black beaches. This particular sand is rich in minerals and fragments from the volcanic lava. This brings us to another fact that most people aren't aware of:
9. Caribbean Houses More Than 15 Live Volcanoes As We Speak.
According to popular belief, most volcanic eruptions and other volcano-related phenomena happen in the Pacific Island. But the truth is, the Caribbean is home to a vast number of volcanoes too. 19 of which are currently active, which means they can or will erupt in the future. Not only this, but one of the most active volcanoes also lies in the same region. It is the hill of Soufriere situated in Montserrat. Most of these live volcanoes are situated in the lesser Antilles. Dominica houses 5 live volcanoes, 4 can be found in Saint Lucia, and the other 4 in Grenada.
10. The Moving Caskets Of Barbados:
When in the Caribbean, If you ever get bored of the sand in your hair and the tropical drink in your hand, we have something adventurous for you. Pssst. Keep reading if only you have a thing for paranormal activities that are ghosts and supernatural phenomenons excite you.
In the 19th century, a wealthy and known family of Barbados came to this area and bought this space as a tomb for his family. At this point, there was one body already buried in the tomb, the body of Thomasina Fidadd. It all started when an infant in the family passed away; he was placed in a heavy casket beside the 1st wooden casket. Four years later, the infant’s sibling dies in what looked like a suicide. She, too, was placed in the same tomb next to the wooden one. A month later, the children's father passes away; eventually, he, too, was placed under the family tomb. It was on this occasion that it was noticed that the 2 previous coffins were not where they had been initially placed. They were both lying across the wall as if they were thrown out in despair while the original wooden casket of the first person buried there was in place.
The caskets were put to place, and the tomb was sealed better and tighter than before to avoid the situation that had happened. Little did they know that this was no work of someone from outside.
The same happened again; this time, it seemed like the forces had slammed the coffins across the room. This time people were sure this was not the work of any thief. The tomb was investigated, and no evident cause could be found. It was all put to an end when the graves were separated, and the tomb emptied. The tomb to date is empty and reeks of its haunted past.
Bonus tip:
11. Languages spoken in the Caribbean
The majority of people who live in the Caribbean speak English. In total, there are six main languages used in the Caribbean Region. English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Dutch, and Papiamento.
English- Official language of Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Maarten, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Spanish-Official language of Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
French- Official language of Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, French Guyana, and Saint Martin.
Haitian Creole- is also an official language of Haiti.
Dutch- Official language of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, Saint Maarten, and Suriname.
Papiamento, a Portuguese and Spanish- based Creole language is also an official language of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
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