Saint Lucia

Every Friday night at Gros Islet, locals and tourists get together to dance and chill until the wee hours of the morning. Enjoy the Caribbean night to the rhythm of calypso, zouk, and reggae blasting out from various loudspeakers in the area. Soak up the summery vibes amongst the stands of street vendors selling ribs, fish, and jerk chicken, while you sip at a very Saint Lucian rum punch or a typically local Piton beer. If you want to get a real taste of the local nightlife, head down to 'Jump Up' past 11pm, when the families of tourists have finally called it a day. At this time, a lot of the locals will have ended their shifts and will be heading out to party.

Right by the docking station at the port of Castries is one of the island's most popular and successful rum bars. We imagine that the name of the establishment is a hint to the wonderful medicinal properties of simply stopping by and putting your feet up with one of the strong rum punches served by the expert hands behind the bar. The bar also serves Piton beer and holds the occasional karaoke night.

The mellow and easy-going atmosphere on the island probably accounts for the fact that down in Rodney Bay most nights of the week are the perfect excuse to stay out late dancing, singing, partying and, of course, enjoying some delicious food. Taking a walk around the centre of this vibrant village, you will notice that there is a varied array of dining options on offer. Catering to all tastes and budgets, Rodney Bay's eateries range from Indian cuisine to traditional steakhouses. After dinner, why not take another walk and stop by at one of the live music events or show off your skills at karaoke? Between the pumping soca music and the mellow sounds of reggae, you will soon realise that here, the good times never end.

With overwhelmingly positive reviews, Irie Bar in Gros Islet is the place to get down and go rum-crazy at. This reggae-themed bar made from a bamboo structure is located by the beach in the town of Gros Islet. It is at its liveliest on a Friday night, when locals and holidaymakers get together to enjoy the chill atmosphere, the reggae music and the tasty rum.

As an alternative to Gros Islet's Friday night street party, the town of Anse La Raye, on the west coast of the island, hosts its own Seafood Friday party. As opposed to its counterpart in Gros Islet, in Anse La Raye, the party is more family-friendly and food-focused. Locals cook all sorts of yummy seafood-based delicacies, which are enjoyed at communal tables on the village's seafront street. The party begins at around 6.30pm and everyone starts packing up towards 10pm.