Photograph of Anse la Raye, St Lucia
Did you know the village of Anse La Raye (English translation: Bay of Rays) was named from early French colonial days?
On the 1758 map, one can find the bay marked Anse de la Raye. The Lefort de Latour map shows Anse La Raye, Petite Rivière de l’Anse la Raye and Grande Rivière de l’Anse la Raye. Rivière means river and there two rivers running into the bay of Anse La Raye, one bigger than the other.
Raye is the French name for the fish called skate. Lefort de Latour says the name Raye was given to the village based on the large quantities of Raye (skatefish) found in the bay of the village.
MORE ABOUT ANSE LA RAYE ON WIKIPEDIA
Anse La Raye or Anse-La-Raye is the largest town in Anse la Raye Quarter, Saint Lucia; it is located on the island’s western side, near Marigot Bay. It is a picturesque place with fine examples of French and English colonial architecture.
The village’s famous Fish Fry event.
The name Anse la Raye is derived from the rays that are found in the bay, the English translation means Bay of Rays. On a Friday night there is a fish fry where the local fishermen showcase their skills and where lobsters, fish and lambi (conch) are cooked and eaten. The Fish Fry is located on Front Street which runs parallel to the beach.
The local Catholic church was built in 1907, but records show that a chapel has existed since 1765. The present church has murals painted by the St Omer Family. Nearby attractions include the Anse la Raye Falls and the River Rock Falls.
St. Lucia News Online welcomes our readers to this new feature which will run every Tuesday and Thursday. It is written by daughter of the soil Anselma Aimable, a former agricultural officer and former correspondent for Caribbean Net News, who has a deep interest in local culture and history. Send ideas and tips to Doublea@candw.lc.
Main road through the village. * Photo credit: anselarayeuk.com