Every year, the islands of the Caribbean host hundreds of carnivals, festivals and holiday celebrations. Special events abound in this region, so each island nation publishes an annual Calendar of Events.
Each island's Tourism Authority office also offers up-to-date information on upcoming carnivals, exhibitions, and general festivities. Dates may change from year to year, so if you're planning a return trip for you favorite festival, be sure to check the calendar for this year's dates and times. Island parties and celebratory events can be placed in one of three categories: traditional, musical and sports-related.
Carnival
This festival's name may sometimes be spelled "Carnaval," and it may be held during different times of the year, but you can be sure to find this street party on any number of islands, including: Antigua, Aruba, Curacao, the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Sint Maarten, and, of course, Trinidad and Tobago, where this quintessentially Caribbean festival got its start. Although the celebration of Carnival originated from the European tradition of pre-Lenten feasting, this festival has developed into something much bigger. Often, those who do not celebrate before Lent will find Carnival the perfect occasion to commemorate other events in the island's past. But no matter the focus, all Carnival events include elaborate costumes worn by many participants, including an elected king and queen, and a street parade with colorful floats. Music is also an important part of the celebrations, and bands join in the parades, and often play at nearby venues. With glittering costumes and exciting events, this is one street party not to be missed for travelers looking to catch a glimpse of Caribbean culture. However, Carnival is not the most important festival on every island. Some islands focus on different holidays.Jonkonnu
Jonkonnu, also spelled Junkanoo, is a festival celebrated widely in the British islands, and it is especially popular in Jamaica and The Bahamas. Its name is derived from a real person, who was an African named John Canoe (John Konny, to some). A prince and slave trader, he was said to have outwitted the British in the 17th century and taken control of a Fort. He terrified the British and Dutch slave traders, and so became a hero of the slaves. Parades were developed to honor this historical figure and are filled with colorful costumes and creative characters, some of whom have strong European influences in the way they look and dance. However, what developed over the years was a distinctly Caribbean festival that differs from island to island.Other Festivals
Each island holds its own festivals that can draw as many crowds as the larger celebrations do. Whether it's the Friday "Jump-Up" on St. Lucia or the annual Crop Over festival on Barbados, you're sure to find a local celebration for nearly every occasion. Of course, you'll also find celebrations during major holidays, such as Christmas.Crop Over
Barbados spent many years as the most important sugar-producing island of the Caribbean. This festival began as a way to celebrate the end of the sugar production process, but by the mid 20th century, Crop Over was no longer celebrated. The Barbadian people reinstated the festival in the 1970s as an important piece of their own heritage. Many compare Crop Over to a Mardi-Gras style celebration.Patron Saints
During nearly any week throughout the year, you can find a town on Puerto Rico holding a festival for its patron saint. These religious festivals begin in the church and later overflow into the streets where vendors and celebrants make a day out of it, even crowning a king and queen. These celebrations last for 10 days in each town, and towns with the same patron saint generally have the same festival dates. This is also a time when former residents of a town return. During the weekdays, these festivals begin in the afternoon.Jump-Up
This St. Lucian festival is one of the best-known weekly events in the Caribbean. Each Friday night, Gros Islet takes to the streets with music and vendors. An opportunity to sample St. Lucian barbecue should not be missed. You can dance to local music and enjoy tropical, fruity drinks.Musical Events
Those hoping to enjoy great music will not be disappointed by Caribbean musicians. Music festivals include some of the region's best acts, and, no matter what time of year you're traveling, there is almost always at least one music festival in the Caribbean - the hardest part is choosing which one to see. Jazz events are popular on many islands, but some of the best-respected jazz festivals take place in Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, and Barbados. In fact, St. Lucia Jazz runs with the slogan "The Best Party in the Caribbean" for its star-studded springtime festival. For more than 10 years, fall travelers have been enjoying the Barbados Jazz Festival, also known as Paint it Jazz. And the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest is older yet and takes place each May. On Jamaica, home of Bob Marley and reggae, you'll find plenty of reggae music festivals, the largest by far being Reggae Sumfest, held each summer. Early in the year, the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival also lets festival-goers and music fans have a day in the sun, literally. Those seeking a bit of Latin flair in their music can find it in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Merengue fans can make their way to Santo Domingo's annual Merengue Festival, one of the region's most popular Latin music festivals.Sailing and Fishing
The Bahamas and the Virgin Islands are home to some of the most popular sailing and fishing tournaments, but most Caribbean sailing aficionados would also enjoy the annual Antigua Yacht Regatta or its Sailing Week. Each island known for sailing or fishing hosts a number of important events. In fact, Martinique is home to one of the Caribbean's longest races - the Transat des Passionnés is a biannual race from Europe to the Caribbean. Soloists and doubles can also participate in the island's Transquadra race, making this same trek every three years. Martinique also hosts several other tournaments year-round. There are almost too many fishing tournaments to mention in The Bahamas, but fishermen are fond of established classics such as the Native Fishing Tournament, which takes place in August and has been held for more than 50 years, as well as newer tournaments, such as the ESPN Billfish Extreme Challenge. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands host a Spring Regatta, as well as some irreverent sailing events, such as Foxy's Halloween Cat Fight, a catamaran race. Visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands may want to take into account that 24 world-record catches have been counted in U.S.V.I. waters, and plenty of sailing and fishing tournaments can be enjoyed here as well. No matter where you want to go, a sailing, fishing, or musical event can almost always be part of your vacation. But you won't need an elaborate festival or tournament to have a great time in the Caribbean.Sports
A wide variety of sporting and gaming contests - from local competitions to world-class events - take place all year throughout the Caribbean. On land, there are tournaments in rugby, cricket, horse racing, and car racing. At sea, you can catch wind surfing competitions as well water-based triathlons and swimming and yachting races. A yachting regatta invites both seafaring and land-dwelling partiers - watching the ships compete is the ideal reason for an island fete.
In addition to sanctioned events, you may be lucky enough to catch a domino or bridge tournament or hot air balloon race during your visit to the Caribbean. Events like these typically have the feel of a festival, with concerts, cookouts and spontaneous "jump-ups" happening alongside the competition.
Here are some highlights from the Caribbean's exciting and packed events calendar:
January
Jazz festival on Barbados
Wind surfing competitions throughout the Caribbean
Rhythm and blues festival on St. Croix
- Grenada Sailing Competition
February
Independence Day (27th) in the Dominican Republic
Presidents Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands (third week of the month)
Carnival start-ups throughout the region (weeks preceding Lent) marked by competitions for Queen, King, Prince and Princess
Trinidad and Tabago Amateur Ladies Golf Open
British Virgin Islands De Caribbean Regatta
Jamaica Pineapple Cup
Bermuda Couples Golf Tournament
Puerto Rico Freefall Festival
Bahamas Annual Track and Field Classic
Barbados Holetown Festival
Jamaica's Reggae Film Festival
March
Yachting competition on St. Thomas (U.S.V.I.)
National Anthem and Flag Day on Aruba (18th)
Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta
Cayman Swordfish Challenge
Ladies Pro-Am Golf Classic on Bermuda
April
Kite flying events throughout the Caribbean to mark Easter
Opera season on Barbados
Classic Yacht Regatta of Antigua
Regatta in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to celebrate Easter
A Taste of St. Croix
Aruba Piano Festival
Island Roots Festival in the Bahamas
May
Culinary exhibits and competitions in Aruba
The St. Croix triathlon
International Ecofest on Dominica
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
El Festival de la Palabra in Puerto Rico
Jamaica Golf Classic
Jamaica Fiber Festival
Barbados Gospelfest
Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
Urban Fiesta in Puerto Rico
Antigua and Barbuda Sports Fishing Tournament
June
Goombay Festival in the Bahamas
Rock D Spice Festival in Grenada
Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica
Tobago Underwater Carnival
July
Independence Day (10th) in the Bahamas
Merengue Festival in the Dominican Republic
Crop Over Festival of Barbados (end of the month)
Kadooment Day, the biggest day of Carnival, in Barbados
Bermuda Big Game Classic
Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica
Antigua Carnival
Carriacaou Regatta Festival in Grenada
August
Crop Over Festival of Barbados (beginning of the month)
Saint Laurent's Day, for the patron saint of cooks, in Guadeloupe (11th)
Caribbean Chess Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago
September
Jolly Harbour Regatta in Antigua
Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival
Jamaica Rock and Blues Jam
October
Creole Week in the Dominican Republic
Harvest Moon Race of St. Croix
National Warri Festival of Antigua
Annual Pro-Am Regatta in the British Virgin Islands
November
D. Hamilton Jackson Day, throughout the region
All Saints Day, throughout the Caribbean region
Armistice Day, throughout the Caribbean region
Veteran's Day, throughout the Caribbean region
Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Independence Day in Barbados (30th)
Couples Fall Golf Classic in Bermuda
December
Christmas celebrations throughout the region
Junkanoo in the Bahamas (until New Year's)
Hatillo Festival of the Innocents in Puerto Rico (28th)
Reggae Marathon in Jamaica
Cayman Islands Marathon
Carnival start-ups throughout the region (weeks preceding Lent) marked by competitions for Queen, King, Prince and Princess
There are many more festive events that take place in the Caribbean than can be listed here. So whether it's a musical, religious, or cultural festival you're looking for, you're sure to find plenty of sights and sounds to dazzle you during your stay.
