There's something about the Caribbean that makes festivals there especially vibrant and intense. Perhaps it's the warm tropic air, the scent of magnolia and sugarcane, or the playful spirit of the local people. In fact it's all those things and more. There's no better time to visit the Caribbean than during a festival. Here's a look at festivals in 3 Caribbean countries - the Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica.
Junkanoo
The most popular festival in the Bahamas is called Junkanoo and celebrated on the 26th December and again on the 1st January. In fact the word junkanoo not only refers to the festival, but also to the elaborate carnival-like parade that's makes up its heart.
Junkanoo begins in the early morning hours of Boxing Day and New Year's Day when junkanoo troupes, clad in themed costumes of their choice, begin their parade or 'rush' through the streets of Nassau. These masked dancers whip up a musical frenzy with goat skin drums, cowbells, horns and whistles.
Junkanoo is believed to have its roots in the dark days of slavery during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were allowed two days during the Xmas and New Year period to be with their families and celebrate with their traditional African music, costume and dance.
Holetown Festival
Our next Caribbean festival is on the island of Barbados in the district of Holetown, St James. Originally called Jamestown after King James 1, the name Holetown derives from the small channel near the town that was used for offloading cargo and cleaning ships. This is the site of the first English landing in Barbados in 1627 which is marked by Holetown Festival held each year from 17-23 February.
The Holetown Festival is a weeklong party beginning at the Holetown Monument. The full schedule includes beach concerts, military tatoos, steel bands, beauty contests and sports shows. Medieval songs are sung in the churches and the markets are bursting with premier Barbadian foods and arts and crafts. It's also a time when the history of the country is brought to life through lectures and exhibitions.
Jamaica Carnival
Finally we'll look at another Caribbean nation that knows how to celebrate with gusto - Jamaica. While Jamaica Carnival seems like a long established occasion, this event held annually in April in fact only dates back to 1990. But what it lacks in antiquity it makes up for in vibrancy.
Jamaica Carnival began when musician Byron Lee attending Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival decided that Jamaica needed a carnival of its own. The event has since grown to become one of the country's foremost celebrations.
The week-long Jamaica Carnival features the usual fare of street dances and parades with colourful floats. The event culminates with a grand finale at the Jamaican National Stadium in Kingston. While the capital Kingston is the focus for the celebrations, other parishes such as Negril, Mandeville, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios have their own parades, fetes and Las Lap. Contestants from each parish also compete in the Jamaica Soca Monarch competition. Soca is the soul calypso music of the Caribbean.
The tropical isles of the Caribbean are great party zones at any time, but make your visit during one of the region's many festivals and you'll really get to experience native passion and zest. . The only difficulty with visiting the events in Jamaica might be your accommodation. Be sure to have a reservation, because Bahamas hotels or Barbados hotels could be fully booked during the festivals. Of course the Internet offers many opportunities to book Jamaica hotels in advance.
Related Articles
Unique Caribbean
By: Richard Greaves | 26/02/2008 | Destinations
The Caribbean, ancient haunt of pirates, calypso music and resplendent history makes a vacation destination without peer. Here's a look at three Caribbean nations and some ways to unlock their past
Visit Barbados
By: Paul Everton | 28/01/2007 | Travel
Barbados has one of the highest standards of living & literacy rates in the developing world. The island is also a huge tourist destination.
A Jamaica Travel Guide
By: Gordon Steven | 09/02/2008 | Travel
Jamaica has always been a special place since Errol Flynn, Noel Coward, Ian Fleming made it famous over 70 years ago. It has always been the first place people will name when asked about an island in the Caribbean.
In truth Jamaica has it all, which means a Jamaica Vacation or...
How to Be More Comfortable During Long Flights
By: Michael Contaro | 14/06/2006 | Flights
Flying will always be a stressful endeavor no matter how you look at it. People who have to travel long flights are undoubtedly the most stressed out people, even if they go first class. But there are ways to make long flights more comfortable, less stressful and more enjoyable.
How To Save Money On Your Cruise Booking
By: Mary Hanna | 19/06/2006 | Travel
Everyone dreams of taking that fabulous cruise for the perfect vacation. How to save money on your cruise booking gives you all the tips and tricks to find your dream at the best possible cost.
The Ten Best Real Estate Bargains in the Bahamas
By: Matthew Simon | 06/06/2008 | Destinations
An experienced real estate investor active in the Bahamas scours the listings to find the ten best bargains, including a four-bedroom duplex overlooking the ocean for $250,000, a lot across the street from the beach for $45,000, and a new three-bedroom townhouse in a gated development for $249,000.
A Bahamas Cruise is Just What the Doctor Ordered For Rest and Relaxation
By: Sri Gupta | 18/06/2008 | Travel
A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life is a cruise to the Bahamas. Between the culture and food of the Islanders and the gorgeous islands themselves you will feel the tension melt away. On such cruises there are opportunities for everyone in...
Bahamas Yacht Charters Make Super Sailing Vacations
By: Robert Scheer | 09/08/2006 | Travel
A Bahamas luxury yacht charter provides a spectacular vacation in a tropical island paradise.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Collin white
By: lilly | 21-07-2008
i am trying to get intouch with collin white from the ruff kut band in jamaica i dont dont if he still in the band
Know of a wholesaler?
By: Linda | 21-07-2008
know of a wholesaler?
Rental properties
By: judith dibben | 17-07-2008
I would like to know about rentals
i would like to stay from 12/3/08 through03/01/09
Food
By: mickey | 14-07-2008
had the most wonderfull pie on voyager of the sea in feb. It was a creampuff pie with choc/vanilla filling does anyone know how to make this? my mother and me can't forget how good this was.
Where can I find information on dining etiquette ...
By: waterfront8 | 27-06-2008
Where can I find information on dining etiquette and customs for Jamaica?
My husband is in the US, he is filing for my ...
By: kikianomar | 27-05-2008
My husband is in the US, he is filing for my daughter in Jamaica, Does she have to do an interview done there, and if so who has to be present.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Destinations Articles
All-inclusive Vacations, One Size Does not Fit All!
By: Ilizabeth Sutera | 23/07/2008
The old adage; “one size fits all” has never applied to traveling. Open up the travel section of the newspaper or plug in your favorite travel website and you are bombarded with a plethora of ideas on where to go. From family getaways, to a weekend romp the simplicity of planning a vacation seems more complicated as the web gives you more and more choices. Add to the state of our economy, making sure you pick the right vacation is just as important as picking up the best bargain.
Things to Do in La Manga
By: Michael Lee | 23/07/2008
Are you looking for the perfect beach holiday along the Mediterranean Sea? Then consider a trip to La Manga. The resort town located near Murcia, Spain along a strip of land that is roughly 21 kilometers long and 300 meters wide.
Ski Resorts in the French Alps
By: Roger Munns | 23/07/2008
The French Alps are home to some of the most well-known and well-travelled ski resorts in Europe. Just because it is summer doesn't mean ski season is over entirely.
Glacier skiing in the Alps is very popular among die-hard ski enthusiasts.
The Pompidou Centre – the Heart of Contemporary Art
By: Naveen Marasinghe | 23/07/2008
The Pompidou Centre is museum dedicated to contemporary art and literature. Its unique architectural characteristics and reputation as being a center for arts and culture in France makes it a popular attraction.
Tyne Bridge a Popular Monument in Newcastle
By: Naveen Marasinghe | 23/07/2008
The Tyne Bridge in Newcastle one of the city’s most defining characteristics, being a architectural wonder along the lines of Hell Gate Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge this attraction draws in large crowds.
Urbis – Celebrating Urban Art
By: Naveen Marasinghe | 23/07/2008
The Urbis Centre is a wonderful new museum that is dedicated showcasing contemporary culture and urban art.
An Unforgettable Experience at Zuma Beach
By: Naveen Marasinghe | 23/07/2008
Zuma beach, one of the magnificent beaches in Califonia, Los Angeles is a fabulous and relaxing retreat for everyone to get out of their busy lifestyle and enjoy a soothing day full of joy and pleasure.
Cheap Rail Tickets: a Must for Enjoying a Vacation
By: harish | 23/07/2008
Demands for cheap rail tickets is nowadays coming from every corner of the country and that's the reason why more and more people are resorting to the other mode of transportation.
More from Richard Greaves
Venice in Brief
By: Richard Greaves | 09/06/2008 | Destinations
Venice is definitely the most delightful place in Italy, founded in the 5th century it is spread over 118 islands connected by 400 bridges crossing some 160 canals. Locals and tourists frequent rowing boats and the famous romantic gondolas.
Birmingham and Cardiff
By: Richard Greaves | 08/06/2008 | Destinations
Cardiff and Birmingham city centres have recently undergone extensive regeneration so as to bring them up to date as cultural, modern cities.
Rome and Milan
By: Richard Greaves | 08/06/2008 | Destinations
Rome and Milan have beautiful historic buildings, architecture and art to connect them. But there the similarity stops as each also has their very own unique and individual style to offer a visitor.
Barcelona in Brief
By: Richard Greaves | 08/06/2008 | Destinations
Barcelona abounds with history, culture and art. Spain’s second largest city, it is situated in the Cataluna region with the Catalan government based here. Cataluna has its own unique culture and a language separate from Spanish.
Unique Sydney: the Magic of Manly
By: Richard Greaves | 03/06/2008 | Destinations
Visitors to Sydney are drawn to the city's icons but when you've gazed at everything already, what do you do next? One great answer is to take the ferry to the northern suburb of Manly where a whole range of uniquely Sydneyesque pleasures await.
The Rocks: Sydney's Outdoor Museum
By: Richard Greaves | 30/05/2008 | Destinations
Often described as "Sydney's outdoors museum", the Rocks is a place where the rich history of Sydney springs to life in the monuments museums and sheer atmosphere of the place. It also offers shopping, fine dining, and great views of the harbour.
Five Ways to Have a Great Sydney Holiday
By: Richard Greaves | 30/05/2008 | Destinations
You'll never be short of places to go and things to do on your Sydney holiday. In fact, quite the reverse is true. Your main challenge will be to get as much as possible out of your Sydney trip in the time you have available. Here are five tips.
The Other Sides of Sydney: 3 Sydney Side Trips
By: Richard Greaves | 30/05/2008 | Destinations
Sydney is packed with places to see things to do but to get the full flavour of the Sydney experience. You have to get out of the city and sample some of Sydney's delightful suburbs to give you a whole new perspective on downtown Sydney itself.
Travel 
