Essential information on what’s happening across the region in September and October!
Don’t miss out
Havana’s beauty gives you every reason to explore the iconic city – and you may never want to leave. of Havana International Ballet Festival (October 27–November 3) provides another fascinating reason to love Cuba’s capital. Founded by the late choreographer and prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso, the acclaimed biennial festival features performances by renowned dance companies from around the world, several world premieres and a diverse program. The Great Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso and the Karl Marx Theater are two of the main venues of the festival.
Celebration time
When we touch, the whole place fades! Die-hard carnival-goers will have a jam-packed few months — from sliding down Eastern Parkway to Brooklyn’s American Indian West Day Carnival and Parade (September 5), to mashin’ until Carnival in Miami (October 1–9), then we head to Tobago Carnival (October 28–30), which ends the post-summer 2022 carnival season with a bang.
Meanwhile, the biggest party in sports returns as CPL T20 the tournament (September 1–30) celebrates its 10th anniversary. Six cricket teams – along with the inaugural women’s teams – compete for supremacy as boundless excitement envelops cricket grounds in St Lucia, Trinidad, Guyana and St Kitts.
For lovers of literature, all roads lead to Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (September 9–11) and Brooklyn Book Festival (September 25-October 3).
In Guyana, Indigenous Heritage Month (September) celebrates the country’s nine indigenous tribes through food, fashion, spectacle, arts and more. Neighboring Suriname celebrates Maroon Day on October 10, and you can learn more about the Maroon movement later in this issue.
Experience the beauty beneath the dazzling waters of St. Lucia at Dive Fest (September 19–26) featuring coral planting, a treasure hunt and the popular Lionfish Derby & Cookoff. What’s more, Creole Heritage Month (October) showcases the island’s beloved heritage.
Diwali (September 24) is the Hindu lunar festival of light, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Hindu communities in Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica and Suriname light deya (small oil lamps) in temples and round houses, streets and public parks. It is a ritual in which many citizens of all faiths and backgrounds join, bringing enjoyment to all.
In Antigua, the excitement of reeling in prized catches and tasting copious amounts of fresh seafood awaits you at Francis Nunes Memorial Fishing Tournament and Seafood Fest (September 24).
The pride of Curacao (September 28–October 2) sees the LGBTQIA community and its allies celebrate with signature events: Pride Parade, Pride Happy Hours, White Party and Boat Party.
closing things, World Creole Music Festival Thrilling sounds return to Dominica (October 28–30) with a cavalcade of star power, thrilling seasoned festival-goer and newbie alike.
For movie lovers
Three, two, one – action! In Toronto, don’t miss it CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (September 7–23) and Toronto International Film Festival (September 8–18), before heading to trinidad+tobago film festival (September 22–28) and Grenada 1261 Film Festival (October 26–30).
Online, catch the next edition of Short film on Saturday (September 10) on the Soleil Space YouTube channel, in partnership with the Third Horizon Film Festival. They will broadcast Nile Saulter’s Fever dream and of Ian Harnarine Double with small pepperfollowed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
Food collection
Food festivals
Tobago
Dasheen, sweet potato, cassava – these tasty and versatile root crops (called “blue food” locally) are the cornerstones of Tobagonian cuisine. See for yourself at Blue Food Festival (October 16), where communities and visitors head to Bloody Bay for gastronomic delights and live entertainment. Music, drums and folklore enthrall patrons, while local delicacies such as dasheen pone, dasheen wine, ice cream, chips and sweets – all made from root crops – showcase local ingenuity. There is certainly no shortage of flour here either. Can you taste the blue? visittobago.gov.tt
Jamaica
Taste. Vipat. Kingston! There is something for everyone in Jamaica Food and Beverage Festival (JFDF) that will take place from October 26–30. Winner of the Best Caribbean Culinary Festival award at the World Culinary Awards 2021, JFDF has wonderfully made its mark on the world stage. Get out your culinary passport as the festival’s chefs take you on a journey through a range of fine dining and casual experiences to satisfy every palate. jafoodanddrink.com
Barbados
You could argue that Bajans are the original connoisseurs of rum. Over 1,500 rum shops are scattered throughout Barbados, this small island in the eastern Caribbean Sea that is known for its award-winning rums. Explore the historical links between the island and its favorite spirit as you experience Barbados Food and Rum Festival (October 27-30). Because rum isn’t just a drink here – it’s a culture. Each delicious dish is made with real passion, real local ingredients and real love – all infused with the island’s precious elixir. visit barbados.org
