When people think of vacationing in the Caribbean, images of white-sand beaches, chaise lounges and umbrella drinks come to mind. The most action few can imagine across the sun-drenched island is dancing to steel drums by a tiki hut bar on an virtually abandoned beach. Although officially the Caribbean Islands stretch from Cuba in the north to Aruba and Trinidad in the south, most also include the Bahamas and Florida Keys when thinking a few Caribbean vacation.
With more than 7,000 islands representing approximately 30 island nations, it is really no surprise that some of the best parties in the world are thrown on these many tropical islands. Here are some favorites.
JAMAICA
As the resting place of the late great Bob Marley, it is no surprise that Jamaica hosts the world’s largest and most popular reggae festival each July. Reggae Sumfest Jamaica has been held the third Sunday in July every year since 1993,”promoting music – a universal force.”
The festival in the heart of Montego Bay generally starts on Sunday night at the Aquasol Amusement Park, with a different theme each night. The week-long festivities culminate the following Saturday with International Evening held at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex.
Performers from Stephen Marley to Rihanna have drawn more than 35,000 live audiences to more than 50 stage and ballroom shows, and more than 75,000 viewers logged in for Sumfest’s free live streams. It’s an event not to be missed – and the beach is not too bad either!
NASSAU
If you are visiting the tropics over the winter holidays, there is no better place than Nassau. In the early hours of December 26th (Boxing Day), at 2am to be exact, thousands of individuals dance in the streets of downtown Nassau for the Jonkanoo Festival. The rainbow of colours and costumes and the echoes of rhythmic drums, cowbells and brass horns captivate the audience. Art and sculpture feed the soul and music uplifts the spirit. This is a party like no other.
If that wasn’t enough, high-profile people joined the party a few days later PokerStars Bahamas Championship back yet again to the Atlantis Resort. Partygoers move from the sand to the poolside and from under the stars to the lights and sounds of the awe-inspiring casino resort. Rich culture and endless good times have made Nassau a staple of the Caribbean circuit since 2004, and players and fans alike have returned time and time again for the laid-back fun Nassau has to offer.
ARUBA
Voted one of the “Top Five Caribbean Celebrations” by USA Today and 10Best, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival takes place over Memorial Day Weekend in May, and has been for the past ten years. In previous years, crowds danced and partied to the music of Miguel, Alicia Keyes, The Isley Brothers, Mary J. Blige and Tony Rock. The eclectic mixture of jazz, soul, house, Latin and salsa means there’s something for everybody.
Besides lots of good music in crowded nightclubs, there are crazy beach parties and falling out of your seat laughing on comedy nights. Add to that the white sand beaches and turquoise waters and it is hard to imagine a better vacation. Did we mention that it is the #1 “Caribbean Summer Festival” voted by Jetsetter Magazine. Need we say more?
TRINIDAD
If Mardi Gras just is not cutting it anymore for you, take a trip to Trinidad where they celebrate “Fat Tuesday” like no other. Carnival in Trinidad easily probably the most attended carnivals in the world; even though this is just a two day event, unlike the weeklong revelry in New Orlean, the actual festivities start right after Christmas and continue to bring in travelers from all over the world until the final two days.
It is the most significant cultural and tourism event and it is alleged that if the locals aren’t partying they’re preparing for next year’s party. The festival features street parades, Soca and calypso music, limbo contests, and a wild array of costumes and decorations.
As Trinidad proudly supports most of the year-round cultural events in the Caribbean, there’s a wide range of accommodations and astonishing food to be enjoyed. If you are specifically brave, you can even join in on the parade by buying a costume from one of the various all-inclusive Carnival bands. No more watching in between. You really become part of the event.
If you have not chosen a party for 2017 yet, I’m sure we have made your choice even harder. Fortunately, given the scheduled dates, you can easily attend all four. party!
