Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is one of Caribbean Airlines’ latest destinations. So leave the natural and national treasures of the islands to see of BVI Film Commission Film Festival (November 2), BVI Literary Festival (November 7–10), BVI Charter Yacht Show (November 12-15), Anegada Lobster Festival (November 29-December 1), and throughout the territory New Year’s Eve celebrations (December 31) – they are spectacular!
of Bahamas Conchman Triathlon (November 2) and Junkanoo Parades (December 26–January 1) promise days full of energy and incredible memories! Rush Junkanoo is a cultural highlight in the Bahamas, with a chance to dance the night away.
“Runcation,” anyone? Blast your way through spectacular races along scenic roads with iconic landmarks in New York City Marathon (November 3), Curaçao Marathon (November 23–24), Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon (December 1) and Jamaica Reggae Marathon (December 8). Friendly locals also welcome you to Run the Barbados Marathon Weekend (December 6–8) – featuring a marathon, half marathon, a 10K, the ever-popular 5K and a Fun Mile that lives up to its name.
of Kärcher Duo Extreme (Nov. 3), meanwhile, puts the toughest mountain bikers to the test through Curaçao’s hilly countryside—staying in dust, mud, and more obstacles. Further north, Nevis Triathlon (November 9) promises the ultimate challenge in a race like no other.
Let your imagination run wild with exciting tales of piracy as the streets of Grand Cayman come alive for Cayman Pirate Week Festival (November 8–30). The festival has a magical atmosphere and includes parades, flotillas, plus a run and … swim?
In St. Martin Gastronomic Festival (November 11-22) and SXM Jazz & Wine Festival (November 22–23), get ready to indulge in local specialties and epicurean surprises from renowned chefs. And matching with a fun Christmas costume or masquerade Running Night (Dec. 7–8) could be the perfect end—or beginning—of the season.
In Puerto Rico, another of CAL’s latest destinations, history and culture buffs can explore the country’s Taino heritage during National Indigenous Festival (November 15–17) in Jayuya; while family fun is at the heart of it Inflalandia Christmas Park (December 14–15), with more than 50 attractions, including inflatables, rides, an ice rink and a snow area.
Celebrants of Belize Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19) proudly raise the Garifuna flag (three horizontal stripes: black, white and yellow), marking the day with a reenactment of their arrival in Belize and a showcase of their rich history and culture.
Through art, fashion, music, spoken word and dance, Antigua & Barbuda’s Art week (Nov. 27–Dec. 3) features vibrant and expressive works by up-and-coming and established artists.
After more than three million people watched their viral trial video earlier this year, don’t miss it Christmas with the Marionettes (December 6–8), the beloved choral concert tradition at Trinidad’s newly christened Winifred Atwell Auditorium, Queen’s Hall.
On National Saint Lucia Day, Festival of Lights and Renewal (December 13) is one of the ways Saint Lucians honor the saint after whom their island was named. Locals create lanterns from metals and papier-mâché, portraying myriad themes such as historical events, mystical creatures, and landmarks.
Immerse yourself in a rich celebration of heritage, community and vibrancy in St Kitts Sugar Mass (December 13–January 2) and Montserrat Carnival (December 14-January 2) – the last and first carnivals of the year, along with the Bahamas’ Junkanoo (December 26–January 1).
of The Festival of the Nine Mornings (December 16–24) is a unique tradition in St. Vincent, held over nine mornings until Christmas Day. Locals get up late for parties, concerts, games and beach bathing, all culminating in a dance on Christmas Eve. In contrast, Nine nights of lights (December 15–23) is hosted under the starry sky at the Botanical Gardens.
Fans from all over Cuba gather for the explosive Parrandas of Remedios festival (usually December 16–26). This giant street party combines rumba dancing, giant colorful floats and massive thunderous pyrotechnic displays in a lively rivalry between the neighborhoods of San Salvador and El Carmen.
Parrandero’s serenade audience at Carriacou is like a festival (December 20–22), bringing Christmas cheer to all. It’s the same in Trinidad & Tobago, starting as early as September, with parang concerts, festivals, competitions and traditional house-to-house parang-ing, especially in communities like Paramin, Santa Cruz, Arima, Lopinot, etc.
A new year is about to dawn and the streets of Paramaribo are echoing with sweet music from ubiquitous sound systems and live performances. Unload yourself from the past when the pagara – a long string of fireworks – is lit in Suriname Owru Yari Fest (December 31), signaling that it’s almost time: 3, 2, 1…
