Looking for more than just a beach vacation? These Caribbean festivals bring together local and international musicians, chefs, and artists to celebrate all that is Caribbean. These festivals explore more than just the music and food of a nation they celebrate the diverse history and culture of the people.
St. Kitts Music Festival in St. Kitts & Nevis: June 22-24, 2023
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the diverse sounds of Caribbean music, St. Kitts and Nevis is the place to be. The St. Kitts Music Festival is the premier event for Caribbean music festivals, offering a wide range of genres such as soul, calypso, soca, jazz, R&B, meringue, zouk, cadence, dancehall, reggae, gospel, and blues. This musical extravaganza takes place every year in late June, featuring performances by local Kittitian musicians during lunchtime concerts and internationally acclaimed artists in the larger evening venues. The festival draws thousands of fans from around the world, setting the standard for Caribbean music events and transforming the music festival scene in the region.
But a trip to St. Kitts for the music festival is much more than just great performances. The two-island nation offers a host of natural wonders to explore, including rainforests, towering peaks, dormant volcanic craters, and vibrant underwater ecosystems. And when you're ready to refuel, there's no shortage of delicious Caribbean cuisine to indulge in.
After a day of music and exploration, festival-goers can retreat to one of St. Kitts' most luxurious resorts, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour Hotel. Our partner at Park Hyatt St. Kitts offers special amenities for our clients.
Saint Lucia Carnival in Saint Lucia: July 12-19, 2023
Despite being smaller in size than some of its counterparts, the St. Lucia Carnival is one of the most highly anticipated events in the Caribbean. Events kick off several weeks before the main festival, but the most exciting experiences can be found in the week leading up to the Parade of the Bands, a two-day Carnival staple featuring costumed mas bands and Caribbean music. During the weeks leading up to the parade, join in one of the many parties, including the festival-favorite Color Me Red, a public street party where everyone wears red. On J'Ouvert, the official start of Carnival, where you'll join the party-goers being covered in mud, body paint, powder, or foam while dancing to the bumping rhythms of local St. Lucian musicians. Make sure you book your stay at Jade Mountain or Sugar Beach well in advance.
Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica: July 16-22, 2023
Reggae Sumfest is the largest music festival in the Caribbean, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica for nearly 30 years. Initially a three-day celebration of local and international acts, the festival has since evolved into a week-long event with two main concert nights that attract music enthusiasts of all ages from around the world. While the festival has a history of featuring international performers, recent years have seen a shift towards a strictly Jamaican lineup, providing an authentic Caribbean experience for attendees.
In addition to the main concerts, festival-goers can participate in music industry seminars, workshops, beach parties, and other events throughout the week. For those seeking adventure, Montego Bay offers opportunities to explore the local caverns and rivers. However, Friday and Saturday should be kept free for concert attendance, as these outdoor shows featuring the best Jamaican reggae and dancehall artists last until daybreak. Friday is typically dominated by dancehall artists, while Saturday's lineup appeals more to reggae fans.
Due to its popularity and location on a small island, lodging for Reggae Sumfest fills up quickly, so call us soon to reserve your space at one of our partner hotels in Montego Bay: The all-inclusive, 16-year-olds and up only, S Hotel Jamaica, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World or at Half Moon, for world-class cuisine and spa treatments.
Antigua Carnival in Antigua & Barbuda: Aug. 1-8, 2023
Experience the Caribbean's most spectacular summer festival by joining in the Carnival celebrations of Antigua and Barbuda. Branded as the "Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival," this event is a must-see. The main event spans nearly two weeks and culminates in the Parade of Bands finale, which typically takes place on the first Monday and Tuesday of August to celebrate Antiguan emancipation. The Parade of Bands, which begins with J'Ouvert, is the highlight of the Carnival and involves thousands of locals and tourists parading down the streets of St. John's in elaborate costumes representing their mas bands. You can even visit Mas Camp to witness the bands working on their intricate and colorful costumes. While the parading mas bands wear detailed costumes, spectators are advised to dress comfortably to fully enjoy the revelry into the early hours of the morning. As the parade takes place during Antigua's hot season, expect marchers to spray the crowd with water to help cool things off.
Before the grand parade, visitors can enjoy various other Carnival events Antigua has to offer. Satisfy your appetite at one of the food fairs or festival villages and indulge in delicious local cuisine and tempting libations. Attend one of the steel band, soca, and calypso music competitions, or take in a cultural show leading up to the grand finale. With thousands of tourists flocking to Antigua for Carnival, be sure to purchase tickets for your must-see events and book your hotel well in advance. We recommend Jumby Bay for a relaxing stay after Carnival.
Crop Over Festival and Kadooment in Barbados: Aug. 7-14, 2023
Barbados boasts one of the most thrilling festivals in the Caribbean: Crop Over, a three-month-long celebration of Barbadian culture, music, cuisine and art. Although the festivities may kick off as early as May, the official start is marked by the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, an age-old tradition established over 200 years ago to commemorate the end of another successful sugar cane harvest. Visitors looking to partake in the celebrations will discover that most events take place throughout July and early August, including must-see favorites such as Cohobblopot, a lively carnival featuring Kadooment band members dressed in vibrant costumes, and Calypso, where musical groups gather in "tents" to compete for prizes and titles.
The pinnacle of Crop Over is undoubtedly Kadooment Day, attracting around 15,000 revelers and marks the festival's final day. The streets of St. Michael are over-flowing with masquerade bands and festival-goers adorned in a riot of colors, textures, and sounds. You'll witness a dazzling display of thousands of costumes adorned with sequins, colorful feathers, jewels, and vibrant accents, all reflecting the themes of historic and contemporary Barbados. Accompanied by music trucks and mobile bars, masqueraders showcase cultural traditions, elaborate costumes, authentic food, and infectious music, making this a must-attend Caribbean event. For a relaxing stay and an escape from the revelry, check out the Coral Reef Club, set on 12 acres of lush gardens, or The Sandpiper, a discreet and exclusive hideaway on the beach.
Caribbean Food and Wine Festival - Turks and Caicos - October 11-15
The highly anticipated Caribbean Food & Wine Festival is a must-attend culinary event in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Top chefs from around the world converge for a spectacular weekend of delectable food, exquisite wine, and enjoyable activities. With cooking demonstrations and wine tastings among the many offerings, this festival promises something to captivate every guest. Of course, like the other Caribbean islands, the festival just scratches the surface of what you can do while on the islands of Turks and Caicos. Horseback ride on the beach, hike through caves, snorkel, scuba and go deep sea -fishing. Luxury accommodations abound from the beautiful resorts that line Grace Bay (Seven Stars, Grace Bay Club and Wymara) to the off-the-beaten path resorts of COMO Parrot Cay and Amanyara.
Barbados Food and Rum Festival - October 17-30
Touted as the biggest Celebration of Food, the four-day Barbados Food and Rum Festival, features local and international chefs, celebrity mixologists and events like the "Rum and Rise Breakfast" and the "Rum Route Street Party." According to the Festival website, It's "a star-studded, taste-budded four-day destination event showcasing the talents of Barbados’ most renowned rum producers, chefs and culinary personalities." Make sure you grab your tickets and your hotel reservations early. For a relaxing stay and an escape from the revelry, check out the Coral Reef Club, set on 12 acres of lush gardens, or The Sandpiper, a discreet and exclusive hideaway on the beach.
The Sixth annual Caribbean Rum Awards St. Barth Festival - October 31
The Sixth Annual Rum Awards features music, food, masterclasses, and, of course, Caribbean rum tasting on one of the most glamorous islands in the Caribbean. From October 31 - November 5, sip, dance and eat your way through this five-day event at the world-famous Rhum Room, with dj's, beach parties and local and international chefs. And once the festivities are over, make sure you settle in to your one of the amazing resorts on the island - from the Eden Roc, tucked into St Jean Bay, to the refined Cheval Blanc, and one of the best resorts in the Caribbean, Le Barthelemy Hotel and Spa.
Pirates Fest in the Cayman Islands: November 2023
The Cayman Islands are very proud of their pirate past and their excitement is on display for seven weeks this year at Pirate Fest beginning November 3. Formerly known as Pirates Week, this unique festival has evolved into a two-month celebration of Cayman pirate legends and cultural heritage, with events taking place throughout all three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The majority of the "Pirates Week" festivities occur on Grand Cayman, the largest island, drawing over 35,000 people who come to see the Pirates Landing, a staged pirate invasion from the sea, a parade with pirate-themed floats, and a stunning fireworks display. The fun extends to the infamous Trial of the Pyrates on the waterfront and a 5K sea swim at Governor's Beach.
Stay in the center of the action at the Kimpton Seafire on Seven Mile Beach.
Junkanoo in the Bahamas: Dec. 26, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023
Junkanoo, an annual festival celebrating Bahamian culture, is a vibrant and colorful event held on Boxing Day and New Year's Day in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. This festival has evolved from a street parade to a magnificent procession featuring elaborate costumes, dance performances, and skits. On Boxing Day, local groups with up to 1,000 musicians, dancers, and costumers compete for the Best Junkanoo Group title and the accompanying rewards.
The parade route is packed with exuberant and colorful fans cheering on the many groups, and the music is rhythmic and lively with cowbells, whistles, goatskin drums, and horns. The party starts just after midnight and goes until late morning to avoid the heat of the sun. When the party is over, explore the outlying Bahamian islands while relaxing at your luxury accommodations - check in to the glamorous, newly opened, Goldwynn Resorts and Residences, on Cable Beach or the SLS Baha Mar for a more energetic stay.
To book your trip contact your Houlahan Travel consultant or call 847-868-4502 or email info@houlahantravel.com for more information.