Celebration time
The skills of the world’s most exciting T20 batsmen and bowlers are on show at cricket pitches across the region during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament (29 August–6 October) — the “biggest party in sport”.
For a change of pace, Campechada (31 August–1 September) — inspired by renowned playwright Victoria Espinosa and hosted by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture in Santurce, Puerto Rico — honours local theatre, painting, music, dance, and literature.
Indigenous communities the world over model sustainably living in harmony with nature. And all through September, Guyana’s Indigenous/Amerindian Heritage Month provides invaluable opportunities to learn more about Indigenous history and traditions in the “land of many waters”.
It’s one of the last opportunities to enjoy Carnival bacchanal on the North American mainland as the West Indian Day Parade (2 September) kicks off with J’ouvert and culminates with up to three million people using the streets of Brooklyn, New York as their dance floor — and runway! If the Carnival fever is still raging, don’t miss Miami Carnival the following month (11–13 October).
Still up north, literature lovers won’t want to miss their favourite authors at the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (5–8 September) and the Brooklyn Book Festival (22–30 September).
The Nevis Marathon & Running Festival (7 September) presents four distances — 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon — to challenge you and your family, while offering panoramic views and other special awards.
From the streets to the sea…! At St Lucia’s Dive Fest (15–21 September), it’s all about celebrating and preserving the island’s natural world — from hunting invasive lionfish (with a lionfish cook-off!), to clean-ups on land and in the water, and an underwater photography competition. And if you see people wearing the madras (St Lucia’s traditional dress), it’s because October is Creole Heritage Month!
In Dominica, learn about their vibrant Indigenous heritage during Kalinago Week (19–26 September); while Jamaican dancehall artist Valiant, Trinidad soca powerhouse Nadia Batson, Guadeloupean band Kassav, and other cherished Caribbean acts take centre stage at the World Creole Music Festival (25–27 October).
Against the backdrop of the CPL semis and finals, Cricket Carnival Guyana (19 September–6 October) features an exciting line-up of events, from dynamic concerts to scrumptious food, and mas!
Tobago’s iconic Signal Hill Alumni Choir celebrates their 40th anniversary with 2064: A Musical Odyssey, featuring an exhibition, school outreach, and dynamic performances across Trinidad & Tobago (21 September–6 October).
In Toronto, the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (5–15 September) and Grenada’s 1261 Film Festival (24–27 October) promise memorable Caribbean films to inspire, entertain, provoke critical thought — and foster support for our talented filmmakers.
Meanwhile, it’s a sensational celebration of diversity, equality, queerness, and queer allyship at Curaçao Pride (27 September–6 October).
Up in Antigua, historic Nelson’s Dockyard comes alive during the Francis Nunes Jr Memorial Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival (27–28 September). Enjoy freshly caught fish from returning boats and a delicious array of seafood dishes along with infectious live music and entertainment.
There’s non-stop action in Tobago this October, from the Tobago International Cycling Classic (1–6 October), to the Tobago Blue Food Festival (20 October), and Tobago Carnival (25–27 October).
Suriname’s Maroon Heritage Day (10 October) commemorates the Maroons’ victory over the Dutch in 1760. With a distinct cultural identity, some 20% of Suriname’s population is Maroon. Their food and rich traditions are central to the heritage festivities.
The COCO Dance Festival (12–13 October) in Trinidad brings together some of the region’s most innovative and respected dancers and choreographers. This year, the world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance — founded and directed by Fagan, the Jamaican choreographer of The Lion King, among other productions — is in the line-up. Then, keep the dance love going with Dance Grenada (17–21 October), featuring performances, workshops, panel discussions and more.
Work up an appetite at the Barbados National Triathlon Championships (20 October), before indulging at the Barbados Food & Rum Festival (24–27 October) and the Barbados Rum Experience (28 October–2 November). Patrons are sure to leave the island in high spirits!
In Trinidad & Tobago, the Animae Caribe Festival (30 October–2 November) brings together leading talents from Dreamworks, Pixar, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and more alongside established and emerging Caribbean animators for screenings, networking, training and workshops.
As the sun sets on the month of October, Hindus and non-Hindus observe Divali, the Hindu lunar Festival of Lights. Special Indian delicacies are shared around Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, and Jamaica, as celebrants stun in traditional Indian wear and henna designs, and cultural programmes entertain and enlighten. Deyas (tiny lamps) symbolising the triumph of good over evil, and rangoli (coloured rice) patterns representing happiness and positivity are placed around homes and community spaces.