Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is one of Caribbean Airlines’ latest destinations. So, tear yourself away from the islands’ natural and national treasures to check out The BVI Film Commission Film Festival (2 November), BVI Literary Festival (7–10 November), BVI Charter Yacht Show (12–15 November), Anegada Lobster Festival (29 November–1 December), and the territory-wide Old Year’s Night Celebrations (31 December) — they’re spectacular!
The Bahamas Conchman Triathlon (2 November) and the Junkanoo Parades (26 December–1 January) promise days filled with energy and incredible memories! The Junkanoo rush is a cultural highlight in The Bahamas, with a chance to dance the night away.
“Runcation”, anyone? Crush the road in awesome races along scenic routes with iconic landmarks at the New York City Marathon (3 November), Curaçao Marathon (23–24 November), The Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon (1 December), and Jamaica Reggae Marathon (8 December). Friendly locals also welcome you to the Run Barbados Marathon Weekend (6–8 December) — featuring a marathon, half-marathon, a 10K, the ever-popular 5K, and a Fun Mile that lives up to its name.
The Kärcher Duo Extreme (3 November), meanwhile, puts the strongest mountain bikers to the test through Curaçao’s hilly countryside — enduring dust, mud, and more obstacles. Further north, the Nevis Triathlon (9 November) promises the ultimate challenge in a race like no other.
Let your imagination run wild with exciting tales of piracy, as the streets of Grand Cayman come alive for Cayman Pirates Week Festival (8–30 November). The festival has a magical atmosphere and includes parades, flotillas, plus a run and … swim?
At St Martin’s Festival de la Gastronomie (11–22 November) and SXM Jazz & Wine Festival (22–23 November), get ready to indulge in local specialties and epicurean surprises by renowned chefs. And suiting up in a fun Christmas costume or disguise for Running Night (7–8 December) might be the perfect end — or start — to the season.
In Puerto Rico, another of CAL’s latest destinations, history and culture lovers can explore the country’s Taino heritage during the National Indigenous Festival (15–17 November) in Jayuya; while family fun is at the heart of the Inflalandia Christmas Park (14–15 December), with more than 50 attractions including inflatables, rides, an ice-skating rink, and a snow zone.
Celebrants of Belize’s Garifuna Settlement Day (19 November) proudly raise the Garifuna flag (three horizontal stripes: black, white and yellow), marking the day with re-enactments of their arrival to Belize, and a showcase of their rich history and culture.
Through art, fashion, music, spoken word, and dance, Antigua & Barbuda’s Art Week (27 November–3 December) features vibrant, expressive work by both upcoming and established artists.
After more than three million people saw their viral rehearsal video earlier this year, don’t miss Christmas with the Marionettes (6–8 December), the chorale’s cherished concert tradition at Trinidad’s newly re-christened Winifred Atwell Auditorium, Queen’s Hall.
On St Lucia’s National Day, the Festival of Lights & Renewal (13 December) is one of the ways St Lucians honour the saint after which their island was named. Locals create lanterns out of metals and papier-mâché, portraying myriad themes like historical events, mystical creatures, and landmarks.
Immerse yourself in a rich celebration of heritage, community, and vibrancy at St Kitts Sugar Mas (13 December–2 January) and Montserrat Carnival (14 December–2 January) — the last and first carnivals of the year, along with The Bahamas’ Junkanoo (26 December–1 January).
The Nine Mornings Festival (16–24 December) is a unique tradition in St Vincent, held over nine mornings leading up to Christmas day. Locals rise in the wee hours for fetes, concerts, games, and sea baths, all climaxing with a jump-up on Christmas Eve. By contrast, the Nine Nights of Lights (15–23 December) is hosted under starlit skies in the Botanical Gardens.
Revellers from all over Cuba congregate for the explosive Las Parrandas de Remedios festival (usually 16–26 December). This gigantic street party combines rumba dancing, giant colourful floats, and massive, thunderous pyrotechnic displays in a playful rivalry between the San Salvador and El Carmen neighbourhoods.
Parranderos serenade audiences at the Carriacou Parang Festival (20–22 December), bringing Christmas cheer to all. It’s the same in Trinidad & Tobago, starting as early as September, with parang concerts, festivals, competitions, and the traditional parang-ing from house to house, especially in communities like Paramin, Santa Cruz, Arima, Lopinot, and more.
A new year is about to dawn, and the streets of Paramaribo are reverberating with sweet music from omnipresent sound systems and live performances. Unburden yourself from the past when the pagara — a long string of firecrackers — is lit at Suriname’s Owru Yari Fest (31 December), signalling it’s almost time: 3, 2, 1 …