Don’t miss out
On Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day, the irresistible, rhythmic sounds of drums, whistles, cowbells and brass instruments accompany exuberant Junkanoo “Grape” dance routines through downtown Nassau. Along the parade route, popular rival bands such as The Saxons, One Family, Roots and Valley Boys playfully call out each other as masqueraders revel in the spirit and pulsating energy of Junkanoo. It’s a Caribbean festival experience – and a must-do in the Bahamas!
Noise of events
During Sint Maarten’s Culinary Month (November), participating restaurants design a special three-course or one-course prix fixe menu, highlighting their extensive specialties – a perfect reason to eat out and try new places with family and friends.
Ahoy matey! Previously organized as the inaugural Cayman Pirates Week Cayman Pirates Festival the festivities began in September and culminate November 4-27. Enjoy special events such as a “pirate invasion”, Heritage Days, an underwater treasure hunt and a steelhead competition. With 160 pirates around, be on the lookout for a surprise or two.
For approximately 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of New York, many runners will test their endurance in New York City Marathon (November 6), encouraged by cheering onlookers along the route.
In the following weeks, Kärcher Coral Estate Classic (November 13) and Kärcher Duo Xtreme Mountain Bike Race (November 20) will challenge the legs and lungs through the hills and salt flats of Bandabou in northwest Curaçao.
Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19) usually begins at dawn, with locals reenacting the arrival of the Garifuna people on the shores of Belize 220 years ago. The reenactment – which involves lots of drumming, music and food – takes place on a beach in Stann Creek District, Dangriga.
A host of deliciously decadent lobster dishes are served at the hotel Anegada Lobster Festival (November 25–27) in the British Virgin Islands. It starts with a scavenger hunt across the island and the opportunity to enjoy not only lobster, but other fresh fish, meat and more.
of Gemonites Moods of Pan the event (November 26–27) unites music lovers in Antigua through the melodious, rhythmic strains of steel pan and more. Antigua & Barbuda National Choir, Ebony Steelband (London), Arturo Tappin (Barbados), New Dimensions (Grenada), Andy Narell and Women of Steel (both from New York) are some of the acts that have graced the stage.
Recreational runners from all over the world race the scenic courses of the Run the Barbados Marathon (December 10–11), enjoying the friendly local culture, beauty and history of the island along the way.
The period between Christmas and New Year is very sweet St Kitts Sugar Mass (December 2–January 3) and Montserrat Carnival (December 17–January 2). Beloved experiences like J’Ouvert, Soca Monarch, folklore stories and plenty of parties keep the atmosphere pumping. It all culminates in dazzling costumes on Parade Day.
Trinidad and Tobago Bioblitz (December 3–4) is a treasure hunt for nature lovers. Explore the islands’ rich biodiversity with the T&T Field Naturalist Club as you document and catalog your findings. Maybe you’ll even discover new species!
In St Lucia, a lantern parade, a variety show and a fireworks display in Castries symbolize the start of the Christmas season. Of the island Festival of Lights (December 13) honors Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy – the patron saint of light – and represents renewal, good overcoming evil and light triumphing over darkness. Traditionally, St Lucians hang lanterns, made from natural and recycled materials, on their doorsteps to light the way.
In Trinidad, it is as a season! Paranderos – especially in the communities of Paramin, Lopinot and Arima – serenade neighbors and visitors with the lively sounds of the parang. It’s the island’s traditional Christmas music – taken from Venezuelan folk music, sung in Spanish and brought to life by cuatro, guitar, mandolin, maracas and box bass. The season runs from Parang History Month in September to early January. And if you like parang, be sure to check it out too Carriacou is like a festival (December 16–18).
Throughout the year, the neighborhoods of San Salvador and El Carmen in Cuba secretly plan innovative ways to outdo each other and present the most spectacular light show during Remedies Parrandas (usually December 16-26). Communities compete fiercely with elaborate floats, street bands and pyrotechnics to create a glittering showcase – and lots and lots of noise!
IN The Festival of the Nine Mornings (December 16–24), communities across St. Vincent wake up before 4 a.m. for (you guessed it!) nine mornings before Christmas to enjoy family-friendly activities, including a Christmas lighting, fun games, parties, street concerts, bathing in the sea. , and more.
In Suriname, Owru was (December 31) sees the old year in the capital Paramaribo – not at midnight, but at noon! Live bands and crowds fill the streets in a carnival atmosphere. And at noon, the celebrants put on long garlands of fireworks (paragas) – with the street party afterwards continuing the rest of the afternoon into the night.
Kaleb D’Aguilar, courtesy of the short film Soleil on Saturday
Cristian Carretero, courtesy of the short film Soleil on Saturday
Screen noise
The Soleil e Stunnu x Horizonti i Trete short film series continues this November with restricted entry by Jamaican director Kaleb D’Aguilar, set against the backdrop of Great Britain’s Windrush scandal; AND Yolanda by Puerto Rican director Cristian Carretero, about a mother who takes the risk of illegal immigration from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico.
The November installment of the series — a partnership between Soleil Space and the Third Horizon Film Festival to showcase short films from the Caribbean diaspora — airs Nov. 12 on the Soleil Space YouTube channel (youtube.com/soleilspace). A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screenings.
