| The Caribbean islands have a reputation for lively | | | | Summer Festival held in July each year at Montego |
| atmospheres, vibrant parties and special events. Each | | | | Bay in Jamaica. Past artist have included The |
| year there are hundreds of events - from the marking | | | | Jacksons, Nas, Damien Marley and Ne-Yo. |
| of historic days to celebrating the joys of music and | | | | As well as music festivals, the Caribbean islands also |
| dance. Many of these festivals are visited by travellers | | | | hold a huge number of carnivals each year. Most of |
| looking to experience local culture after spending a | | | | the islands have their own carnivals and they can last |
| good proportion of their time relaxing in the clear | | | | anything from one day to over a month. The carnivals |
| turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. | | | | themselves vary depending on what is being |
| Because of the wide variety of events held each | | | | celebrated, but they are more likely to be street parties |
| year, many of the islands produce a calendar so local | | | | with parades based on religion or folklore rather than |
| and tourists can keep track of what’s going on and | | | | amusement rides and candy floss. |
| where it’s being held. These calendars are worth | | | | There are so many festivals and events throughout |
| checking out if you are planning a trip to one of the | | | | the year that you’ll probably find one going on no |
| islands, not just because the events are fun to attend, | | | | matter when you travel. A couple of notable one to |
| but they will also affect the availability of hotels and | | | | look out for in Barbados are Crop Over, which began |
| resorts in the area. | | | | to mark the end of sugar production season. The |
| Probably the most famous Caribbean festivals are | | | | festival now marks an important time in the island’s |
| their celebrations of music. There are many popular | | | | history and has become Barbados’ answer to |
| types of music in the Caribbean and you can usually | | | | Mardi-Gras. Another one is the Waterman Festival, |
| find a festival for your favourite. Jazz music festivals | | | | which is held over three weekends in February and is |
| are particularly popular and they attract some of the | | | | a celebration of many different types of surfing from |
| biggest names in the Jazz music industry from around | | | | traditional board surfing to wind and kite surfing. |
| the world. Some of the year’s highlights include the | | | | For most of us, Caribbean holidays are already a |
| St Lucia Jazz Festival (May), Jamaica Jazz Festival | | | | special occasion and something to celebrate. To make |
| (Jan), Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival in Aruba (Sept) and | | | | it that little bit more special and enjoy life the way that |
| the Barbados Jazz Festival (Jan). Locals also love their | | | | local love to do, why not tie your trip in with a festival |
| reggae music and the largest festival is Reggae | | | | experience. |