When most people hear about the Caribbean, they picture beautiful palm-fringed beaches and exotic cuisine. Whether you choose to go to the relaxing island of Carriacou or to the unspoiled Petite Martinique, every Caribbean experience can be likened to an escape to paradise. Apart from the natural beauty that the islands have to offer, guests and tourists can also expect several exciting activities and events that are sure to complete their vacation. Here are some of the events that you can visit during the month of December.
The Bahamas International Film Festival
The Bahamas features its own version of Hollywood’s glitz and glamor at the Bahamas International Film Festival, also known as BIFF. Movie buffs and Hollywood fans will love this fabulous event. The film festival runs between the 6th and 13th of December and is known all over the world for drawing Hollywood directors and superstars like Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp and many others. The BIFF program includes special screenings, film making and scriptwriting workshops, discussions, tributes and gala events.
St. Kitts Carnival
Many Caribbean Islands celebrate island culture and commemorating past events. Iconic to Caribbean carnivals boast elaborate costumes and decors, street parties and colorful parades. St. Kitts Carnival is distinct for its holiday festivities and commemoration of national pride at the same time. It runs from the middle of December until January 2. Guests will be enthralled by the j’ouvert, grand parade, music, numerous food fairs, pageants and street parties.
The Cayman Jazz Festival
Although relatively new compared to other historic festivals, the Cayman Jazz Festival is an unforgettable experience for music lovers and for anyone seeking a relaxing night of music and entertainment. Big names on the international music scene like Alicia Keys, Oleta Adams and Peabo Bryson as well as unique local musicians are sure to captivate guests.
The Bahamas Junkanoo
The Junkanoo is not your average street parade. It runs on different days with each highlighting different events. The Junior Junkanoo Parade is held on the second Thursday of December and features the impressive talents of young Bahamian Junkanoo dancers. Guests and visitors will be amazed at the skill of these young dancers whose talent and love for dancing has been ingrained and taught to them since childhood. Another the Junkanoo parade is held on December 26. Known as the Boxing Day Junkanoo parade, this event showcases the best Junkanoo performers, spectacular costumes and distinctive musical accompaniments. The parade is considered the largest non-religious festival in the Bahamas and starts at 2 in the morning immediately following midnight mass to celebrate Christmas.
St. Lucia’s Heineken Kalalu World Music Festival
Music lovers and enthusiasts will be drawn to the island of St. Lucia for the Heineken Kalalu World Music Festival. This musical festival prides itself with a colorful amalgam of different musical genres, traditions and styles and showcases all these on the oceanfront. The festival runs for four nights and is a multi-ethnic celebration of musical diversity that is enough to captivate any music aficionado.
The Caribbean is not only a great place to stay for a vacation but has its own set of events that every visitor will look forward to.
photo credit: weheartit
