Don’t miss out
Jamaica’s capital, Kingston – a UNESCO City of Music – comes to life in a very special way for Reggae Month every February, with music lovers celebrating the roots and evolution of reggae. The art form was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2018 and the annual celebrations offer great opportunities to enjoy live entertainment, films, workshops and public discussions, alongside tributes to the icons who have contributed so much in the genre. Keep an eye out for new talent too – you’ll remember the experience for a lifetime!
Festival time
Following in the footsteps of the Maroons in Jamaica Accompanying the Maroon Festival (January 6), visitors can visualize the extraordinary history of these freedom fighters as their descendants commemorate the signing of the Peace Treaty with the British and honor the famous Captain Cudjoe. The day ends with a sound system party that lasts until dawn.
Saint Lucia Nobel Festival (January 8–31) celebrates national excellence as it honors the country’s two Nobel laureates – Sir Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis – with a diverse program of literary arts, lectures, seminars and performances.
In Grand Cayman, enjoy a variety of events such as cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and creative gastronomic activities at Cayman Cookout (January 9–15). Meanwhile in Miami, Art Deco Weekend (January 13–15) is a magnet for architecture lovers who enjoy the city’s vibrant buildings and beautiful facades.
With a large community of Chinese heritage, Suriname celebrates the moon vividly Chinese New Year (January 22), including parades to welcome the Year of the Rabbit.
The action is in the water for Spice Island Billfish Tournament (January 23–27) and Grenada Cruise Week (January 29–February 3), as music lovers flock to Bequia Music Festival (January 25–29). A range of local and international entertainment will be on offer … as well as the island’s laid-back charm.
Overlooking the harbor of Havana, the old Spanish fortification San Carlos de la Cabaña has been transformed into a book extravaganza in Cuba. International Book Fair in Havana (February 3–10) – complete with booksellers, poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibits and concerts.
And in Holetown Festival of Barbados (February 12–19), celebrants observe the arrival of the first settlers in Holetown. Enjoy displays of cultural traditions such as folk song and dance, sports and games, street parades, markets and food stalls offering traditional Barbadian cuisine.
Take action
Throughout the Caribbean and diaspora at this time of year, distinctive carnivals—both pre-Lenten ones and holidays centered around other cultural celebrations—abound.
Junkanoo, Bahamas
January 1 and 2
Revelers dance to the rhythms of brass music, horns, whistles, cowbells and drums made from goat skins and oil barrels.
Mardi Gras, New Orleans (USA)
January 6-February 21
Spectators compete for “throws” (trinkets such as beads and toys) tossed into the crowd by revelers riding on decorated floats, while “tribes” of Mardi Gras Indians in costumes inspired by Native American traditions perform traditional dances and songs.
Carnival of Encarnacion, Paraguay
January 28–February 25
The sambadrome and streets are packed for five consecutive Saturday nights in January and February, as five bands and four floats parade in impressive spectacles for it. batucada the rhythms.
Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia
February 16-22
Banned by the Spanish colonizers in the 17th century, this annual festival was preserved by the indigenous locals under the guise of a Catholic Candlemas ceremony. Today, the procession still contains elements dating back to medieval mystery plays. Dancers walk the two-mile route and repeat the journey for 20 hours non-stop.
Shakespeare Mas, Carriacou
February 16-21
One of the highlights of the Carriacou Carnival (Kayak Mas) is the First Tuesday Shakespeare Mass, where participants recite lines from the Bard’s plays. But beware: a mistake requires a stroke from your opponent’s stick! The overall winner becomes the King of the Carnival.
Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
February 17-25
The center of attention is the Sambadrome and its parade route, filled with spectators watching the energetically choreographed choreography of the samba schools.
Barranquilla Carnival, Colombia
February 18-21
A unique four-day celebration filled with a combination of various African, Spanish and American traditions in dance and music.
Curacao Carnival
February 20
The signature sound of the Curaçao Carnival is grave. The main instrument is the drum accompanied by a Brorattles, cowbells and flutes.
Callao Carnival, Venezuela
February 20
A sea of dancing Mrs. in African headscarves and traditional clothing parade through the streets of El Callao in a fusion of West Indies and French Antillean traditions.
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
February 20-21
After months of festivities and a variety of cultural performances, carnival lovers let loose for two days of street parades – from J’Ouvert to Last Lap, dutty mas, traditional mas and pretty mas. It’s the culmination of the “mother of all carnivals” – powered by soca, calypso, pan…and joy!
Carnival of Ecuador
February 21
Traditional Ecuadorian carnival “games” such as flour throwing, water throwing and foam splashing attract traditional enthusiasts to the small town of Amaguaña, a rural community outside of Quito.
Mashramani, Guyana
February 23
The word Mashramani (Guyana Republic Day carnival) comes from an indigenous word meaning “celebration of a job well done” and features a unique street parade that combines patriotic messages with entertainment.
