Ava Rosales
Spring is all about renewed vitality and the Caribbean promises to make you “lively up yourself.” Festivals abound this season, so come one, come all – It’s Carnival time!
April
Curaçao rolls out the red carpet for four days of artstry on the big screen with the Curaçao International Film Festival Rotterdam, April 10 – 14 www.curacaoiffr.com
Then it’s a feat for feet and fetes, as stamina overcomes sleep for nonstop revelry during Jamaica Bacchanaal. It’s toes in sand at Beach Jouvert April 20 , then rest a while before Jouvert April 26 and the ultimate revelry-filled endurance test, the Road March April 28 www.bacchanaljamaica.com/
Sailing Antigua and Barbuda, no need to say more, the renowned international event is a must do for sailing enthusiasts who spend the weeks navigating the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, April 17 – 23 www.antiguaclassics.com . Spectacular from shore or sea, masts of more than 100 yachts of all sizes unfurl their sails for one of the most prestigious events at sea Antigua Sailing Week April 27 – May 3 www.sailingweek.com
Island Harbour is the launch site in Anguilla for more sea-faring fun. Feasts of sea food and frolicking at sea. On shore, take in a crab or boat race. There;s so much to do at the Festival Del Mar, April 20 – 21
St. Maarten fills three weeks with colorful parades, culinary delights and one-of-a-kind carnival experiences like no other. Hit the Carnival Village at Sint Maarten Carnival, April 22 – May 6 www.sxm-carnival.com/
May
At the top of the month, further north, The Bahamas is serving up their local treats and tastings, as parades and bands hit the streets with vibrant costumes and sounds for Bahamas Carnival Festival, May 3 – 5 bahamascarnival.com
While on Barbados, there’s more than one main course – amateur and professional golfers from around the globe take aim for the hole in one across four world-class golf courses – Sandy Lane, Royal Westmoreland, Apes Hill and the Barbados Golf Club are all a part of Sir Garfield Sobers Golf Festival, May 3 – 5 www.sirgarrysobersfestivalofgolf.com
The Cayman Islands is lively with vibrant costumes, music, food and dance. Batabano literally translates to turtle tracks. Revelers may need to “chip” along at a turtle’s pace to conserve energy – if you go to Carnival, you’ll know! Don’t miss Cayman Carnival Batabano, April 27 – May 3 https://www.caymancarnival.com/
Meanwhile, island rhythm infused jazz stylings have audiences swaying under the stars in Martinique at the Lamentin Jazz Project, May 8 – 15.
For Belize, it’s a chocolate lover’s haven, as it’s all things cacao in the country’s southern area. The Toledo district is “melt in your mouth” decadence during their Chocolate Festival, May 17 – 19.
Festivals and Carnivals provide a glimpse into the kaleidoscope of cultures across the Caribbean. Barbados takes on their Celtic heritage with a festival filled with Irish and Scottish jigs, complete with pipe bands and all. Come join the parade at Barbados Celtic Festival, May 21 – 26
June
Belize continues its culinary capers at the top of the month, this time, featuring the mango – 15 different varieties with their distinctive flavors – if you know mangoes, you undertand that the creamy, juicy deliciousness is unique to each variety, so come celebrate this succulent delight in Hopkins Village for Mango Fest, June 1 – 2.
In Jamaica, cool and easy song stylings grace the evening air as international musicians and vocalists come together for the renowned Jamaica International Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, June 2 -9 www.ochoriosjazzja.com
Belize continues to captivate and tantalize with weeks of ample opportunities to sink your teeth into the crustacean cuisine. It’s savory faire as appetites awaken during the country’s famous lobster festivals – kicking it off is San Pedro Lobster Fest, June 15 – 22 and if you missed it, there’s another haul waiting at Placencia’s Lobster Fest, June 21 – 23 and the beach party begins at Caye Caulker Lobster Fest, June 28 – 30.
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