Shelly-Ann Inniss on the major festivals, holidays, and celebrations across the region this March and April
Let’s get festive!
We ready for the road! Experience the magic and merriment of pre-Lenten Carnivals with Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, Carnaval de Ponce, Puerto Rico and Martinique Carnival (all ending 4 March); and Curaçao Carnival and Guadeloupe Carnival (ending 5 March), to name a few. The carnival energy continues with St Maarten Carnival (21 April) and Jamaica Carnival (27 April).
March marks the beginning of turtle nesting season in the Caribbean (peaking in May and June for leatherbacks). Turtle-watching is awe-inspiring: females can lay up to 100 eggs (sometimes more) each time they nest, with the hatchlings scurrying to the water approximately six weeks later. Special permits or guided tours might be needed, as part of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable and endangered species.
In Barbados, March kicks off with international jockeys and trainers prepping their thoroughbred horses to compete for the prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup (1 March) amid spectacular fanfare and glamour, just as the monthlong Bridgetown International Arts Festival (1–31 March) gets underway. And at Easter, the popular Oistins Fish Festival reminds folks why it remains a treasured Barbadian tradition.
Over 50 years — powered by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana — Carnaval Miami (19 February–19 April) has thrilled more than a million people. Highlights include dancing the weekend away at Carnaval on the Mile (1–2 March), and enjoying live music and food at Calle Ocho Music Festival (9 March).
It’s regatta time! Sailboats take to the water for both the George Town Cruising Regatta (19 February–4 March) and the National Family Island Regatta (22–26 April) in Elizabeth Harbour on Exuma, The Bahamas, as sailing — the islands’ national sport — brings an adrenaline rush and heaps of fun.
Yachties also face off in Antigua’s windy waters for the Antigua Superyacht Challenge (5–9 March), Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (16–21 April), and Antigua Sailing Week (26 April–2 May).
There’s tonnes of action in St Maarten — from the St Maarten Regatta (6 March), to the SXM Music Festival (12–16 March), and St Maarten Carnival (21 April–5 May).
In Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and Hindu communities across the region, no one escapes being lovingly showered (or sprayed) with colourful abir at Phagwah or Holi celebrations (18 March). Featuring rhythmic drumming, dancing, and singing, Phagwah — the Hindu “festival of colour”, also known as the Hindu New Year — celebrates love, renewal, and rebirth. People of all faiths are welcome.
Meanwhile, leading up to Easter in Guadeloupe, sate yourself at the Crab Festival (14–31 March) in Morne-à-l’Eau; while goat-based dishes feature at Fèt a Kabrit (19–20 April) on La Désirade. With such sustenance, finish strong at the Guadarun Island Marathon (19–27 April) along trails on each of Guadeloupe’s six inhabited islands.
On nearby Montserrat, St Patrick’s Day (17 March) celebrations run for 10 days prior to the big public holiday honouring the island’s Irish heritage — with a Caribbean twist! Festival highlights include early morning parties, an all-white affair, concerts — all climaxing with a large street parade.
In Puerto Rico, enjoy a range of competitions, seminars, cultural events, and delicious samples at the Taste of Rum: an International Rum & Food Festival (29 March) — while more culinary delights await at the Coffee & Chocolate Expo (29–30 March).
Swimming in the company of turtles — with shipwrecks below — adds to the adventure of the two-and-a-half mile Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim (29 March). More adventures on and near the water beckon at the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival (31 March–6 April) and the Governor’s Cup Race (26 April).
Gourmands also flock to the Anguilla Culinary Experience (30 April–5 May), which showcases talented global chefs.
In Trinidad, the 20th edition of Jazz Artists on the Greens (5 April) features outstanding regional and international talent, while Caribbean athleticism — at its finest — is on display at the CARIFTA Games (19–21 April).
The Miami Film Festival (4–13 April) and Curacao International Film Festival (9–13 April) offer tremendous opportunities for cultural exchange as they celebrate film, filmmakers, and storytelling with screenings, premieres, awards, discussions, and workshops.
Across the Caribbean, Easter brings kite-flying; Easter egg hunts; bonnet competitions; fish festivals like the Martinique Crab Festival (19 March) and Guadeloupe Fish Festival (30 March–9 April); the Rupununi Rodeo (17–21 April) and Bartica Easter Regatta in Guyana; and Tobago’s distinctive Buccoo Goat & Crab Race Festival (22 April).
The historical district of Pietermaai comes to life with blues music during the Curaçao International BlueSeas Festival (17–19 April), featuring free street concerts that lure music lovers back year after year.
The anticipated Tobago Rhythm & Soul Festival (17–20 April) and Tobago Fashion Coda (18 April) promise a sophisticated blend of high fashion, star-studded entertainment, and epicurean delights under the theme “Tobago Fashion CODA7: Where Runway Meets Rhythm”.
The St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (30 April–11 May) boasts a diverse roster of performers and artists, transcending cultural boundaries. Whether you’re boogying to the live performances or admiring art, don’t miss out on one of the island’s gems.