The Best Of Turks and Caicos Culture For Families On Vacation

More than just a paradise of palm-lined white sand beaches with beautiful turquoise waters, the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) could just be the dream vacation destination that you seek. Just picture it ... you arrive at this exotic location, check into a beachfront all-inclusive Turks & Caicos resort, and dive into a Caribbean experience beyond your wildest dreams. Starting with some quality time on the sunny shores of Grace Bay Beach or a dose of local Turks & Caicos culture and traditions, you can weave your way through this tropical archipelago made up of over 40 enchanting islands and cays learning and discovering as you go.

While you explore and relax in the laid-back ambiance of this destination, you might even feel like you’re having multiple vacations in one. Even more so if you decide to take a deep dive into some of the history, culture, and traditions of the Turks & Caicos while there. From savoring authentic island cuisine to uncovering intriguing local traditions and history, this post will help you get started on your TCI exploration!

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A brief history of the Turks and Caicos Islands

The recorded history of the Turks & Caicos Islands begins with the Taínos (also known as the Lucayans) who are recognized as its first inhabitants. This group migrated to the Turks & Caicos around 700 AD. While the Taínos lived a mostly peaceful life in the region, this changed drastically after the arrival of the Europeans. Over time, the number of Taínos in Turks & Caicos began to dwindle, and so, their language, traditions, and other cultural practices also started to fade.

The Spanish first arrived in the early 1500s when the primary industry in the Turks & Caicos was salt production. They were followed by a significant influx of Spanish and other European settlers from Bermuda between the 1500s and 1600s. These settlers were often accompanied by African slaves.

When slavery was abolished, many freed slaves chose to make Turks & Caicos their home, infusing these islands with many elements of African culture. Today, the majority of the population of Turks & Caicos consists of the descendants of these early African, European, and North American settlers. The resulting blend of customs, religions, beliefs, and ideas has shaped the unique culture of these captivating islands.

Good to know: Geographically, Turks & Caicos is a part of The Bahamas island chain. There is still quite a lot of movement of people between these two destinations today.

Most significant elements of Turks & Caicos’ culture

There are quite a few things that stand out about the culture & traditions of Turks & Caicos. We’ve highlighted some of the most dynamic things that Turks & Caicos is known for. Discover what you might like to experience during your stay there!

Turks & Caicos music

The Turks & Caicos Islands have been influenced by many different cultures over the years. This is very clearly seen through its music. While exploring these islands, you're likely to encounter familiar rhythms and international songs, but you’ll also have the opportunity to experience authentic TCI beats like ripsaw music. Ripsaw is a deeply traditional art form that uses a handsaw to produce music. Musicians bend the saw and skillfully scrape a nail or knife along its teeth to create unique sounds. This genre is also known as 'rake-and-scrape' and is said to have been an ingenious replication of the sounds of the shekere, a West African instrument.

While in the TCI, you might be fortunate enough to see this type of music performed live. Most of the time, a rake-and-scrape performance includes other instruments like drums, accordion, harmonica, and maracas. Together, these create feel-good beats that will undoubtedly have you tapping your toes and perhaps even trying out the local Shay Shay dance.

Besides ripsaw music, you’ll also come across Junkanoo music in the TCI. Originating in The Bahamas, this musical tradition was introduced to the Turks & Caicos by locals who had ventured to The Bahamas for employment opportunities. Jamaican reggae, Bahamian goombay, and Eastern Caribbean soca are also commonly heard on the lively local music scene in Turks & Caicos.

Turks & Caicos cuisine

Turks & Caicos food is a delightful fusion of diverse cultures and traditions. The most popular dishes that are part of the culinary landscape in these islands include contributions from the Lucayan, African, Jamaican, Hispaniolan, and Bahamian cultures, promising a truly flavorful vacation food experience.

When it comes to must-try dishes in the Turks & Caicos, the list is as tantalizing as it is diverse. From classics like boiled fish and grits, johnnycake, and conch fritters to specialty dishes like crab and rice, conch salad (conch ceviche), lionfish, and more, you really can have an amazing food exploration journey here.

Seafood is a big part of the cuisine of the TCI including items like grilled lobster tails. Scrumptious grouper and snapper that is either grilled, pan-cooked, or fried is also quite popular here, especially when paired with peas and rice. Also on the menu, you’ll be able to find dishes like blackened or jerk chicken/fish, coconut conch chowder, cracked conch, and so much more.

Expert tip: If Caribbean sunshine is what you’re after then a Turks & Caicos vacation could be perfect for your family. Here’s the best of Providenciales (the most populated island in the TCI) and some of the most exciting adventures in Turks & Caicos for kids!

Arts and local crafts in Turks & Caicos

A great way to see and feel the essence of a destination is through the local arts and crafts scene. In Turks & Caicos, local artisans work hard to keep the history and culture of the islands alive through their work. There are quite a few markets in this territory that feature local handicrafts. These markets are usually quite busy and will typically showcase artwork that demonstrates the creativity of the region and highlights its vibrant cultural heritage as well.

When shopping at local craft markets for Turks & Caicos souvenirs, you can find everything from paintings, sculptures, and specialty wooden carvings to baskets, hats, jewelry, textiles and so much more. Much of the artwork within these markets is inspired by the beauty of the islands themselves, everything from the spectacular beaches and sunlit skylines to underwater bliss and striking sunsets. It can be interesting to learn about the basket weaving and jewelry-making traditions of Turks & Caicos as you purchase a couple of items to take back home with you. Look out for conch-inspired jewelry, sculptures, and other artwork made out of conch shells as well.

Turks & Caicos conch

The Taíno Indians are believed to have incorporated conch into their diet. Some speculate that this was the origin of the traditions around preparing and enjoying this marine delicacy. Aside from food, the conch serves as an important symbol of the Turks & Caicos - so much so that it is one of three symbols featured on the Turks & Caicos flag. The other two flag symbols are a Turk's head cactus and a spiny lobster.

In addition to the uses and features mentioned above, conch shells are also used in some parts of the Turks & Caicos Islands as a decorative item. In times past, they were also used as tools. While you’re in the area, you may hear talk about the ‘conch boat’. This is a generic term commonly attached to the small and sturdy boats used by the local fishermen.

Expert tip: Want to try conch dishes while in Turks & Caicos? Head on over to establishments like Da Conch Shack or Conch Knockers. For other conch-inspired goodies and experiences, visit Konk Apparel or go to Conch Cay and Conch Ground on South Caicos.

Other elements of Turks and Caicos culture

There are a few more noteworthy elements of the culture and traditions of the Turks & Caicos, including the language. While Turks & Caicos is predominantly English-speaking, there are other languages spoken in these islands as well. These include Haitian Creole, a French-based language.

The Turks & Caicos Islands once had a thriving cotton industry but boll weevils and hurricanes led to its demise. The salt industry proved to be much more resilient and persevered for over 300 years. In the 1960s though, this industry also lost stability and eventually collapsed due to a lack of investment and a failure to evolve with the times. Remnants of both the cotton industry and the salt industry can still be seen in the islands today, which you can explore during your vacation.

Religion is also significant in Turks & Caicos. Christianity is the most common religion in this territory with several denominations based in the various islands. The most common ones include Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, and Pentecostal. Other denominations are sprinkled throughout Turks & Caicos as well due to the international influences that have filtered down to the TCI.

Good to know: The Turks & Caicos Islands are quite the tropical melting pot and people are generally friendly and laid back. Expect things to move along on island time, which is quite relaxed!

The culture & traditions of Turks & Caicos bring these vibrant islands to life

Before hopping on a plane and getting to know these islands for yourself, learning a bit about the culture and traditions of the Turks & Caicos Islands is a good idea. Turks & Caicos is an amazing vacation destination with something for every member of your family to do. Whether you’re interested in exploring the main island of Providenciales or island hopping to nearby destinations, you’ll have lots of options for things to do in Turks & Caicos.

Before jetting off to this island, you’ll need to decide where to stay. For family vacations, opt for the convenience of all-inclusive Turks & Caicos resorts like Beaches Turks & Caicos on Providenciales. This family-centric resort has many quality inclusions from luxurious accommodations and complimentary airport transfers to day and night entertainment, unlimited land and water sports and so much more.

Beaches Turks & Caicos is designed in a village-style layout with various themed sections, making it feel as though you’re exploring multiple resorts in one. Kids will love this resort, especially its 45,000 sq ft water park, 21 diverse restaurants, stunning 3-mile-long beach accessible from the boardwalk, 10 refreshing pools, and inviting swim-up soda bars! Plus, the resort is just a 15-minute drive from the Providenciales airport, allowing you to get your vacation started in no time!

Expert tip: As part of your Turks & Caicos vacation, you and your kids can explore the best Turks & Caicos excursions which are fun for all ages. Ahead of making your flight and resort bookings, read up on the best time to visit Turks & Caicos, so you’ll arrive just in time for the activities you’re really looking forward to.