Facts About Saint Johns |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Antigua and Barbuda |
| State | Antigua |
| Founded | 1632 |
| Area | 10.36 km² |
| Population | 43380 |
| Lat Long Coordinates of St Johns | 17° 7′ 0″ N, 61° 51′ 0″ W |
| Time Zone | UTC-4 |
| Calling code | +1 – 268 |
| Language | English, French |
| Major Religion | Christian, Rastafarians, Muslims, and Hindus |
| Point of interest | Fort James, Museum of Antigua and Barbados, St. John’s Cathedral, Dockyard Museum, Government House, Antigua, and Barbuda |
About city :
Saint John’s city is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda – a small country in the West Indies. The island, located in the Caribbean Sea, was first colonized in 1632 by the British and since then, Saint John’s city had been functioning as the administrative center. The city grew as the sugar trade flourished up to the middle of the nineteenth century. However, repeated earthquakes struck the city in 1683 and 1745. The sugar trade declined and so did the city.
When the country attained independence in 1981, Saint John became the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. Today, it is a real melting pot of architectural styles. The huge baroque-style St. John’s Cathedral has been revived and reconstructed and dominates the cityscape now. Saint John covers an area of 10 sq km and contains an approximate population of 45,000. Today, it is renowned as a tourist destination and for its shopping.
Geography :
The city is located at St. John’s harbor which is on the northwest coast of Antigua. It is a low-lying area. The city has a tropical maritime type of climate with little variation in the temperature throughout the year. The rainfall is concentrated between October and December. A mild sea breeze ensures a comfortable climate throughout the year. June to November is the hurricane season.
How to reach (transport) :
The city of Saint John’s is located on an island and can be reached by boat and airplane. Flights are the most common means of reaching the capital. The city is served by V. C. Bird International Airport located 8 km to the north of the city and is a 10-minute drive. Regular flights are available to various destinations in Europe and America. However, the airport is not large, having only a single terminus. You can also reach Saint John’s by boat. Pleasure boats and cruise ships regularly dock at the port located in the downtown area.
When to visit :
The best time to visit Saint John’s city is from May to November. However, if you are interested in enjoying the local culture, try visiting the city in November, when the National day of Antigua and Barbuda is celebrated with much pomp in the capital.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions :
Today, the culture of Saint John’s city is a colorful mixture of the ethnic and the modern. The region was once occupied by the Arawak Indians known for their rich and creative heritage. Imprints of that bygone era can still be discerned in the culture of the city. The colonial settlers and the slaves who worked on the sugar plantations have all left their mark, but the present culture of Saint John’s city is overwhelmingly dominated by the global tourists visiting this beautiful destination. Colorful colonial buildings are now interspersed with modern structures that house some of the most exclusive shopping centers.
A number of festivals are celebrated in Saint John’s city. The most enthusiastic celebrations are held during the annual carnival. This is a ten-day festival held towards the end of July and early August, which celebrates emancipation. Good food and local music dot the celebrations at several events like the Miss Antigua pageant, local concerts, culture shows, etc.
The independence festival is celebrated on November 1, with parades, competitions, expos, and food fairs. It is a major attraction. The Antigua National Warri festival is held at the multi-purpose cultural center in Saint John’s city during the entire month of October. Warri is the traditional board game of Antigua that started as a tradition among the slaves. You can also enjoy the drama No Seed, which is a story of power and deception parallel to a Warri game.
Points of interest (places to visit) :
- Of all the different places to see in Saint John’s city, the most dominating feature is the St. John’s Cathedral. This imposing example of baroque architecture with its majestic twin towers was built in 1845, and since then has been damaged by repeated earthquakes. It has now undergone a thorough restoration.
- You can climb Fort Barrington at the entrance to Saint John’s harbor to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset in the Caribbean.
- A visit to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is a must if you want to understand and enjoy the essence of local culture.
- Finally, no visit to Saint John’s could be complete without a spot of duty-free shopping at the Heritage Quay, where the local wares and international designer labels are found within a beautiful two-storeyed building.
Accommodation :
Saint John’s offers a wide choice of accommodation to the tourists. The Caribbean Inn and Suites offers suite accommodation with modern comforts; the City View Hotel is located at the heart of the city with air-conditioned rooms with private patios; the Coconut Beach Club is located on the outskirts of the city and is perfect to enjoy the beauty of nature. In addition, several budget accommodation options are also available in the city.