Given the number of events, festivals, fairs, and carnivals on the Caribbean Islands, you would be forgiven if you think that the people here are in an eternal state of celebration. Check out the annual calendar of events published by each island's Tourism Authority to get an idea of the events that coincide with your visit. Dates change from year to year and so if you have planned your visit with a particular festival in mind, be sure to check out the calendar of events in advance to avoid disappointment. Partake in the festivities and soak up the myriad colours of life on your visit to the Caribbean Islands.
The carnival is held during different times of the year, and each island carnival has its own flavour and set of rules. The biggest event is held in Trinidad and Tobago in February. You are sure to be caught up in the festivities. Glittering costumes, addictive music, parades, food and fun mark the event. Other carnivals worth a mention are held on the islands of Antigua, Aruba, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Haiti, Sint Maarten Curacao, the Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. The street festivities are not to be missed. You can also buy your own costume and join the parade.
To festival, held in July, celebrates the harvesting of the sugar cane crop in Barbados. The festivities last for a week and include parades, calypso contests, and music and food fairs. The celebrations reach a fever pitch on the last day when all roads lead to the National Stadium. People revel in the festivities and there is much fun, food and merriment.
Held every year on August 1, the Emancipation Festival celebrates the historical day when in the year 1834 the slaves were finally granted their freedom after a long struggle. Religious service is held including the reading of Emancipation Proclamation by the governor. This is followed by a parade, drama and music.
Celebrated widely on the British Islands of Jamaica and The Bahamas, Jonkonnu, also spelled Junkanoo, is in honour of an African named John Canoe, who is said to have outwitted the British and Dutch slave traders in the 17th century. People wear colourful costumes with strong European influences. The celebration of this Caribbean festival differs from island to island.
If you want to enjoy great music on your visit to the Caribbean Islands, you will not be disappointed no matter what time of the year—there's always a music festival that is on and the hardest part is choosing which one to attend. The best jazz festivals take place in Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, and Barbados.