What are the British Virgin Islands?

The flag features Saint Ursula with 11 oil lamps, representing her virgins.
Vigilate is Latin for "be watchful."

The British Virgin Islands, composed of about sixty different islands in the Caribbean, have a culture as varied as their history. The islands, along with the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands, were first recorded in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. He named them after Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins, martyred in the 4th century. Before he arrived, however, the Arawaks called what would become the British Virgin Islands home before they were pushed out by the Caribs in the 15th century. No one is entirely sure what happened to the Caribs, but from the 15th to the 16th century, the islands were under Spanish control. Spanish convoys used it as a temporary anchoring spot to hide from English privateers. Then, the Dutch created the first permanent settlement in 1602. English farmers replaced the Dutch by 1666. Even today, the islands are still a British overseas territory.

Not surprisingly, Virgin Islander culture is a large mixture from all over the world: West African, European, and American. Johnnycakes, peas and rice, plantains, sweet potatoes, and soups served with dumplings are common foods. On special occasions, such as Christmas, guavaberry wine and guavaberry tart are served. The national dish of the British Virgin Islands is fungi, a mixture of cornmeal and okra. It's usually eaten with boiled fish or saltfish. The word fungi itself means "a combination" or a "cook up" and is used as the name for their local folk music, as well. Fungi music's roots lie heavily in African culture and first appeared during slavery. After emancipation, fungi bands appeared and played for holidays and weddings, but also for fun.

The culture of the British Virgin Islands also relates heavily to their oceans. Sailing is a popular pastime for Virgin Islanders and also brings tourists into the area, especially during the Spring Regatta sailing festival. The coral reefs keep British Virgin Island fishermen in business for red snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, and parrot fish. And the nearly sixty islands have plenty of coral reefs. Nearly 300,000 acres of reefs are spread out in British Virgin Island waters.

Their reefs are also a popular tourist destination for U.S. citizens, around half of whom arrive on cruise ships. Forty-five percent of their national income comes from tourism. Tourists usually visit the white sand beaches, the bars on Jost Van Dyke, The Baths--a unique volcanic formation--on Virgin Gorda, or snorkel in the coral reefs off of Anegada. If tourists want to go off the beaten path, charter sailboats take them to the less accessible islands. Maybe next time you're thinking of a vacation, you should consider the British Virgin Islands!

Map of the islands.
Notice the lovely and creative island names, including Prickly Pear and Fallen Jerusalem!