Anse La Raye

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, and has several examples of French and English colonial architecture.[2]

Anse la Raye
Town
Anse la Raye Catholic Church
Map of Saint Lucia showing location of Anse la Raye
Coordinates: 13.9401°N 61.0431°W / 13.9401; -61.0431
Country	Saint Lucia
Quarter	Anse la Raye Quarter
Founded	18th Century
Founded by	The French
Named for	The rays found in the bay
Government
• Governing body	Anse la Raye Village Council
Population  (2005)[1]
• Total	6,382 (Anse la Raye Quarter)
Time zone	UTC-4 (Eastern Caribbean Time Zone (ECT))
Area code(s)	758

The name Anse la Raye is derived from the rays that are found in the bay, the English translation means Bay of Rays. Two rivers flow into the bay, these are the Grande Rivière de l'Anse la Raye and the Petite Rivière de l'Anse la Raye. 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.

The town is noted for its youth music groups, the "Cecilian Reys" and the "Anse La Raye Youth Orchestra", both of which were formed under the direction of Petronilla Deterville. Performing since 1981 throughout the country, the group aims to expand the cultural experiences of youth from the area.[3][4]