North of Rodney Bay and about 8 mi/13 km north of Castries is the village of Gros Islet (pronounced gro-zee-LAY), which hosts a Friday night Jump-Up (street party). Everyone is welcome to join in the revelry at this street dance, where soca, dub and, occasionally, zouk music blasts from huge speakers. Visitors and St. Lucians pack the streets, and there are sidewalk barbecues offering grilled chicken and lambi (conch).
The atmosphere is fun, but stick to the main areas where the crowds are: Don't wander onto the deserted side streets, and don't carry any unnecessary valuables. Be sure to take along some energy: The merriment has been known to go on until the wee hours of the morning.
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