Let’s get festive
Dining at restaurants in English or Falmouth Harbour; hiking to Shirley Heights or Fort Charlotte; or stopping at vantage points along the race routes all offer fantastic and sometimes panoramic views of the Antigua Superyacht Challenge (3–8 March), Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (15–20 April), and Antigua Sailing Week (22–26 April).
The region’s beaches, from postcard-perfect to rugged and remote, welcome five species of nesting marine turtles — hawksbills, olive ridleys, leatherbacks, loggerheads, and greens — from March through August, with activity peaking in May and June. You can find some of the largest nesting populations in Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Grenada, and Trinidad & Tobago — with T&T being the largest leatherback nesting ground in the hemisphere. Witnessing nesting mothers or the emergence of their hatchlings weeks later is what makes turtle-watching such a powerfully moving experience.
Meanwhile, the stage is set over in Guadeloupe for one week of classical music concerts at Nuits Caraïbes (through 8 March).
Streets and venues around Barbados become a cultural stage at the Bridgetown International Arts Festival (1–31 March). Simultaneously, more art exhibits, fashion, spoken word, and visual arts are on show at the Caribbean Fine Arts (CaFa) Fair (11–15 March), after the pageantry and pomp of the prestigious Sandy Lane Gold Cup (7 March) — the biggest horseracing attraction on the island.
Impeccable dry season weather conditions across the Caribbean mean sailing calendars are filling up! Surrender to your sense of adventure at The Bahamas’ Georgetown Cruising Regatta (through 3 March), St Maarten Heineken Regatta (5–8 March), PAYS (Portsmouth Association of Yachts Security) Dominica Yachting Festival (21–27 March), BVI Spring Regatta (23–29 March), and the National Family Island Regatta (21–25 April) back in The Bahamas.
Sheer fun awaits in Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and anywhere with a vibrant Hindu community for Phagwa or Holi (3/4 March). This festival celebrating rebirth, renewal, and love honours the first day of the Northern Hemisphere’s spring with song, tassa drumming, and dance as jovial celebrants — often wearing white — playfully spray abeer (a colourful dye).
Up north, the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana presents Carnaval Miami. Major highlights include local art, live music, and delectable cuisine at Carnaval on the Mile (7–8 March); and one of the largest Hispanic music festivals, Calle Ocho Music Festival (15 March).
Montserrat is the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St Patrick’s Day (17 March) as a public holiday. Join their St Patrick’s Festival (7–17 March) celebration, which comprises cultural performances, parties, J’ouvert, dinners, a lecture series, hikes — and, of course, a St Patrick’s Day parade.
Does dancing barefoot on the sand to electronic music sound like your vibe? Then head to the SXM Music Festival (18–22 March) in St Martin. Later, feel the rhythm of St Maarten Carnival (10 April–5 May) featuring three parades, five jump-ups, four pageants, and other special shows culminating with the burning of King Momo (an effigy representing the spirit of the carnival).
Swimming from one island to another is the adventure of choice for over 200 regional and international swimmers at the Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim (28 March). Dare to try?
In Puerto Rico, patrons imbibe over 20,000 rum samples at Taste of Rum: An International Rum & Food Festival (28 March). Less spirited gastronomic offerings satisfy at the Coffee & Chocolate Expo (18–19 April).
Down south, the Curaçao International BlueSeas Festival (2–4 April) presents a stellar selection of international blues powerhouses on free stages throughout the historic Pietermaai district.
In Guyana, bull riding and steer roping are some of the highlights of the Rupununi Rodeo (3–4 April), celebrating the rich ranching heritage of the remote Rupununi savannahs. Competitions and cultural offerings make for thrilling stories after the long weekend.
“Passion drives performance” at the Carifta Games (4–6 April) in Grenada where the best under-17 and under-20 track and field athletes represent their countries. Will Jamaica come out on top once again?
There’s more action in Guadeloupe as the Guadarun Island Marathon (4–12 April) presents six trails on six islands in one marathon. Diverse terrain — beaches, mountain trails, charming villages, and forest — thrill participants as they traverse Désirade, Marie-Galante, Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Terre de Haut and Terre de Bas Saintes.
Easter in the Caribbean brings Easter bonnet parades, egg hunts, kite-flying, and unique traditions in each country. Don’t miss the Guadeloupe Crab Festival (6–12 April), Tobago’s Goat & Crab Races (7 April), Guyana’s Bartica Easter Regatta, and Barbados’ Oistins Fish Festival (3–6 April).
Put on your dancing shoes! The love of Latin dance brings dancers, teachers, students, and choreographers from around the world to Ritmo Cuba 2026: International Cuban Dance Festival (6–12 April). Workshops, classes, and parties featuring Cuba salsa, reggaeton, cha-cha-chá, bachata, kizomba, rumba and more await.
The streets of Kingston are transformed at Jamaica Carnival (8–12 April). Beautiful costumes, pulsating soca and reggae music move revellers and partygoers who descend on Jamaica for the action. Stick around and — literally — Discover Jamaica by Bike (30 April–4 May).
Emerging and established filmmakers from around the world rub shoulders with screen legends at the Miami Film Festival (9–19 April), while regional filmmakers are on show at the Curaçao International Film Festival (14–19 April) and St Vincent & the Grenadines’ Hairouna Film Festival (dates TBD).
Enjoy unforgettable performances by a star-studded lineup of artistes at the Beachfront Jazz Tobago (30 April–3 May) and the St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (30 April–10 May).
The Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival (24–26 April) is one of the highlights of Grenada’s cultural calendar. Quadrille dancing and string band music feature alongside the Maroons’ traditional smoked food in this culturally rich festival.
And finally, the Bocas Lit Fest (30 April–3 May) returns with an enriching programme of stimulating discussions, workshops, and captivating Caribbean literature for avid readers, writers, and publishers in the heart of Trinidad’s capital city, Port of Spain.