Have fun!
Our stories and festivals may change, but when the Caribbean Carnivals kick off, you’re always guaranteed a vibrant display of local culture – the stuff magical memories are made of!
Experience Vince Mas (June 28-July 9), St. Lucia Carnival (July 1–16), Antigua Carnival (July 25–August 6), Barbados’ wait (July 31-August 5), Caribbean Carnival in Toronto (ex Caribana, 1–5 August), Grenada Spices (August 1-13) and Notting Hill Carnival (August 25–26 in England).
Celebrate the spirit of resistance and the hard-won end to slavery with The gate of the coats in Suriname (July 1), and more regional emancipation celebrations in August (see page 22).
in the north, Bahamas Goombay Summer Festival (July 4–25) features the highly anticipated Junkanoo excursion, along with quadrille dancing, traditional Bahamian folk music (rake-and-scrape) and sumptuous Bahamian cuisine every Thursday.
Green mango, teenage mango, dou dou sou mango this morning… The chorus from the classic folk song may come to mind as you devour the mango-filled creations at Nevis Mango Festival (July 5-7). Later in the month, don’t lose all stocks on the 50th Nevis Culturama (July 25-August 6).
The Marionettes Chorale – one of Trinidad & Tobago’s oldest arts and cultural organizations – wraps up their 60th anniversary season in style with Mosaic VI (July 6–7), reviewing some of their landmark musical theater and opera performances.
In Saint Lucia, each dish tells its own story St Lucia Foodie Fortnight (July 6–20), offering varied and fascinating culinary offerings. The country’s cultural excellence continues in August as communities gather for the month-long celebration of pink – one of the national flower holidays that also features a feast day or “grand feast” on August 30.
Immerse yourself in Jamaica’s long musical heritage Reggae Sumfest (July 14–20), featuring eight events filled with the island’s signature joy, unity, and vibes.
That same week, bus tours around the island, thrill rides, iron band performances, food and craft fairs and a squid exhibition are on the agenda at Montserrat’s unique facility. Calabash Festival (July 14–20).
Don’t miss Trinidad’s Hosay celebrations – a local form of the Islamic Muharram celebrations, commemorating the deaths of two of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandsons – in late July. The Muslim lunar festival unfolds over 10 days, culminating over the last three nights with powerful tassa drums, colorful flags, so (tomb replicas), crescent and dance.
across the water Tobago Heritage Festival (mid-July to August 1) flourishes in villages across the island, showcasing the rich traditions of each community – dance, storytelling, food, music and more.
August in the English-speaking Caribbean is born with Emancipation Day (August 1). Commemorations include concerts, workshops, street processions, fashion shows and cultural craft exhibitions.
Food and history buffs may recall Captain William Bligh’s 18th-century voyage to HMS Bounty, which introduced breadfruit to the Caribbean. Many varieties provided food for enslaved Africans. Nowadays, the precious starchy fruit is enjoyed year-round as part of the emancipation commemorations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Breadfruit Festivaland Saint Lucia Breadfruit and Breadnut Festival (August 1).
Ready for a crash course in chocolate making? Have fun in Saint Lucia Chocolate Heritage Month (August), with behind-the-scenes experiences in cocoa production, a delicious restorative chocolate spa treatment, chocolate cuisine and much more.
Which speedboat will be the first to arrive at Store Bay, Tobago from Trinidad in 90 miles The Great Race (August 17)? Enjoy watching the speedboats pass your favorite spot, or party on the beach as they arrive in Tobago!
Whether sailing, diving, swimming or simply soaking up the sun, Dive Fest Barbados (August 18–24) encourages everyone to explore colorful reefs and shipwrecks. Participating in coral restoration, lionfish hunts, photo contests, beach cleanups and swimming with sea turtles promises to be tons of fun, too.
of Anguilla Summer Festival (July 21–August 11) promises carnival parades, races, boat races (the island’s national sport) and other nautical activities, with a taste of Anguilla’s laid-back charm.
In Curaçao Kaya Kaya Street Festival (August 24), community spirit fills Otrobanda as the neighborhood transforms into a studio for music and art. Next weekend, A-list stars – including Jennifer Hudson, Gladys Knight, Marc Anthony and Seal – perform at North Sea Jazz Festival in Curaçao (August 29–31).
And finally, cricket fans – and cricket party lovers! – will experience the emotions of Caribbean Premier League (August 28-October 6) in lively, world-class CPL T20 cricket matches across the region.
