Afro-Caribbean culture is a blend of African, Caribbean, and other influences that includes food, language, music, and dance:
- FoodCaribbean cuisine is a fusion of many influences, including West African, Spanish, French, Dutch, British, and more. Enslaved Africans brought their traditional ingredients and cooking methods to the Caribbean, and adapted them to the local environment. For example, the West African staple foo-foo was adapted into cou-cou, a cornmeal dish with okra that’s popular in Barbados.
- LanguageThe Caribbean is home to many languages, including English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and more.
- Music and danceAfro-Caribbean culture also includes African music and dance.
- World Heritage CultureThe United Nations has classified Afro-Caribbean culture as a “World Heritage Culture”.
Other influences on Caribbean cuisine include:
- Indigenous heritageNative Arawak and Carib Indians used chili peppers to season and preserve their food.
- Asian indentured laborersAfter slavery was abolished, indentured laborers from India and China brought their cooking methods and ingredients to the Caribbean.
- French culinary contributionsFrench cuisine is still a major influence in the French West Indies, including Martinique and Guadeloupe.
- Dutch delightsDutch heritage is still felt in Curaçao and Aruba.
