The Best Festivals in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to some of the best festivals in the world and I should know as I’ve made it my mission to visit as many as I can. You can dance the night away with warm sand between your toes, eat drink and be merry right in the thick of of it. For the true Caribbean experience there are a few festivals that I recommend as a must for anyone looking for that night to remember and you’ll make some new friends along the way too!

Moonsplash Festival on the stunning island of Anguillatiarescott / Foter / CC BY

No blog about festivals in the Caribbean would be complete without mentioning the Moonsplash Festival on the stunning island of Anguilla. Before I went to the Caribbean I did some research online, as well as speaking to friends who had been there, and the Moonsplash festival came up time and time again.

It was founded by Caribbean celebrity Bankie Banx as is a three day music festival that takes place every year and has been going for over 25 years. Originally the festival was supposed to to move to a different location each year but by 95′ the Moonsplash festival moved to, it’s now permanent and official home, The Dune Preserve and the rest is history. The venue’s owned by Bankie himself and has seen the likes of The Wailers, John Mayer and Jimmy Buffett all take to the stage, sometimes impromptuly as well as a host of local artists. The festival seems to get bigger and better every year and if you’re looking for great music, a thriving beach party and some of the most fun you might ever have then the Moonsplash festival is a must.

Christmas in the Caribbeanpuroticorico / Foter / CC BY

If you’re lucky enough to be spending Christmas in the Caribbean then you should check out Junkanoo, a parade made up of some of the most spectacular costumes imaginable starting in the early hours of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The people of the Bahamas take to the streets of Nassau in their hundreds for a lively parade. The tradition behind the parade traces back to the 17th century when slaves, who were given 3 days off at Christmas, celebrated their temporary freedom with this fantastic display of homemade masks, drums and music, walking through the streets in this carnival style parade. Centuries on the tradition is still in full swing and families and community groups dance through the streets year after year.

Jamaica Montego BayLoren Sztajer / Foter / CC BY-ND

If you’re heading to Jamaica for some summer sun then check out Montego Bay’s answer to Glastonbury (minus the mud and rain of course). It’s the reggae capital of the world and anyone who’s anyone in the reggae world will have graced the Reggae Sumfest stage at some point. It’s somehow perfectly chilled but lively at the same time and the opening party on the Sunday night is unforgettable. This really was one of the best nights I’ve ever had.

Cayman Islandsslack12 / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

If you’re thinking of a family trip to the Caribbean but are worried that most festivals are for adults, drinking and all night partying then a trip to Pirates Week on the Cayman Islands will prove you wrong. It’s so family friendly and a great place for kids to enjoy the thieves of the sea themed event. With sports, dressing up competitions, loads of great food and parades this is definitely one for the kids’ memory banks and they’ll remember it for years to come. Even if you don’t have kids it’s still a really fun place for the big kids, when two ships full of pirates reach land you’ll think you’re 10 years old again and get caught up in the fun. The last Saturday in Pirates Week sees the Trial of the Pirates not to mention street dancing and the pure comedy cardboard boat race.

Caribbean beachesArmando Maynez / Foter / CC BY

There are so many amazing festivals all around the Caribbean with so many different authentic foods and sounds to try. Whether you’re a young couple, a family or a group of friends there’s something for everyone and you’ll make some lasting memories. You’ll want to come back again next year after just a few hours in the midst of the fun of a Caribbean festival. I’m hoping to cover all the festivals in the Caribbean in the next few years but if the ones I’ve been to so far are anything to go by I’ve certainly got some great nights ahead!