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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. CarnivalThis 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. JonkonnuJonkonnu, 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 FestivalsEach 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 OverBarbados 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 SaintsDuring 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-UpThis 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 EventsThose 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 FishingThe 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. SportsA 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
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