The distribution of religions
Christianity remains the majority religion, with Catholicism practiced by 70% of the population. This attachment is in line with the island's history of Catholicism since the 15th century, and with migratory flows, the last of which took place in the 1980s with the highly devout Portuguese workforce. Other communities are represented, such as the Evangelical Church with its temple at La Pointe in Gustavia. The Methodist religion has been practiced on the island since 1790, and theAnglican Church of St Bartholomew's facing in Gustavia harbor was built in 1853. It's a charming, sober building that has withstood the test of time (destroyed by Hurricane Luis in 1995 and roof damaged by Irma in 2017). The building's sturdy construction of brick and St Eustatius lava stone has ensured its robustness to this day. The space hosts concerts and conferences, and meditation sessions are organized in the annex by volunteers. This encourages sharing and socializing.
Religiosity in the life of the island
While religiosity is on the decline worldwide, Saint-Barth retains a religious fervor that is reflected in its attachment to traditions. In terms of religious practices, families like to gather in the two main churches of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption in Gustavia and thechurch of Lorient or in the small chapel of Colombier. The churches fill up every Sunday, for every feast day on the Catholic calendar, for births, baptisms, first communions, engagements, weddings and funerals. The cemeteries, particularly Lorient 's, are worth a visit for their patchwork of colors: white graves are enhanced by bouquets of flowers. Here, it's customary to wear white for funeral ceremonies.
Neighborhood festivals between popular traditions and religion
If you have the opportunity to plan your trip to enjoy a neighborhood festival, then you'll have the privilege of immersing yourself in the daily life of the locals. On the last weekend of August, St. Bartholomew's Day begins with the sailors' mass at the Catholic church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption in Gustavia, followed by the procession to the war memorial. The festivities continue on the quayside with popular games such as dominoes. The patronal feast of Saint-Louis in Corossol the following day also begins with a mass at the foot of Saint-Louis rock. In the past, the women of the village wore the headdress or straw hat woven by the women of Corossol. Conservative and proud of their ancestry, the villagers have preserved these formerly very religious celebrations, which are now the occasion for festivities and reunions.
