Joanna James
Along with its breathtaking nature-kissed artistry the Caribbean is known for its vibrant and welcoming culture-infused festivities that will win over the most blasé globetrotter! Here are some bijou celebrations that will add bold brilliance to your laidback island stay.
Whether you’re a fan of elaborate costumes done up in feathers and jewels, calypso beats, and through-the-roof energy or you’re more drawn to artisanal masterpieces, historic legacies, and mouthwatering cuisine, the electric atmosphere of a Caribbean carnival encompasses diverse preferences. While Cuba is iconic for its elegantly vibrant classic car tours, hidden tropical oases, storybook old-world architecture, and grandiose boulevards, its exhilarating creative scene is second to none. For instance, entire streets are turned into an artist’s canvas coloured with mini-art exhibitions spanning vintage and contemporary styles, museums showcasing inspiring pieces from different cultures, and striking visual commentary on universal themes during the much-awaited Havanna Biennial Art Festival held in April and May.
This sweeping archipelago of stunningly diverse island nations never turns down an excuse to celebrate! From explosively colourful pageants that span centuries to modern reggae-infused bohemia, there is a delicious mix of old and new to immerse in. Whether it’s the famed stilt walkers of Mas Domnik, the imaginative masquerade parades of Barbados, or the dynamic Grenadian Ole Mas storytelling performance, every Caribbean festival engages the senses and stirs the spirit. If you’ve procured a visa for Caribbean Islands and find yourself in Antigua between July and August, revel in the dazzling creativity of the Antigua Carnival’s expressive talent shows and rich tapestry of spectacles. Choose a regional airline like InterCaribbean Airways for a seamless travel experience that will leave you energised and ready to savour delicious island traditions.
The picturesque trio of Grenada, Petite Martinique, and Carriacou, known for their exquisitely serene beaches, fragrant spice plantations, and undulating mountains, are an idyllic escape for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and local cultures. For a carnivalesque production featuring eye-popping costumes, steel-pan musicales, jaw-dropping parades, and sublime street food, look no further than the Isle of Spice. This August festival is perfect for anyone looking to experience authentic community vibes while playing around with delicious spices and learning about ancient multicultural customs influenced by Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
From Antigua’s vivacious T-Shirt Mas Parade for a more casual and inclusive jamboree and the International Book Fair of Havana that celebrates all things literary with a culture-specific plot twist to the glamorous and intricate Junkanoo Parade against a backdrop of breathtaking ivory-and-turquoise beaches, there’s a Caribbean festivity to suit every calibre of thrill-seeker. If you fancy a spirited sprint through the historic avenues of Old Havana, this energetic event is the perfect way to take in the city’s artistic heritage while making new friends.
Whether you’re a film buff eagerly anticipating the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, ready to immerse in moving stage plays at the Camaguey Theatre Festival, or prepared to get enraptured by the elegance of the International Ballet Festival, the arts are thoroughly appreciated in the Caribbean. However, if you want to feel like part of one spectacular show, head to Martinique for a scintillating round of masquerade balls, epicurean delights, and atmospheric events.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
