Caribbean Festivals and Carnivals to Add to Your Bucket List This Summer
Caribbean festivals and carnivals are vibrant, joyous celebrations that showcase the Caribbean's rich history, diverse culture, and boundless creativity. These annual events, held on various islands and in cities worldwide, draw locals and visitors alike into a whirlwind of color, music, dance, and culinary delights. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Caribbean festivals and carnivals are a testament to the resilience and spirit of the region's people.
These events, which originated in the colonial era, blended African, European, and Indigenous customs. They have evolved into grand spectacles that highlight the unique cultural heritage of each island. Each festival or carnival offers a unique experience, reflecting the island's history and the creativity of its people.
Here is a list of Caribbean festivals and carnivals to add to your bucket list this summer. Immerse yourself in the captivating celebrations and discover the heart and soul of the Caribbean.
St. Lucia Carnival
July 1, 2024 to July 17, 2024
Parade date: July 15, 2024 to July 16, 2024
Location: Gros Islet, St. Lucia
Saint Lucia comes alive for the carnival to the sound of Dennery segment, soca, calypso, and steelpan permeating through the streets. This season comes with a two-day street parade of live bands and DJ music, stunning Carnival costumes, and the joyous and energetic revelry typical of Caribbean carnivals.
Anguilla Summer Festival
July 21 to August 11, 2024
Location: The Valley, Anguilla
The Anguilla Summer Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This annual event takes place the last week of July with the official start on the first Monday of August, also known as Emancipation Day or August Monday.
Attendees enjoy boat races, dance to live music at beach parties, and cheer on colorful costume parades.
Antigua Carnival
July 25, 2024 to Aug. 6, 2024
Parade date: Aug. 5, 2024 to Aug. 6, 2024
Location: St. Johns, Antigua
When Antigua celebrated its first carnival in August 1957, it served as a tourist attraction and a commemoration of emancipation from slavery.
Each year the Antigua Recreation Grounds is transformed into "Carnival City" where the people gather to attend a variety of shows leading up to Carnival Monday and Tuesday. It also stages the only Caribbean Queen Show.
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Barbados “Crop Over” Carnival
July 31, 2024 to Aug. 6, 2024
Parade date: Aug. 5, 2024
Location: St. Michael, Barbados
Crop Over is a Barbadian festival that celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest and is a time of celebration with music and dance.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Aug. 1, 2024 – Aug. 5, 2024
Parade date: Aug. 3, 2024
Location: Toronto, Canada
Toronto Caribbean Carnival features a grand parade, music, dance, costumes, and food that celebrates Caribbean culture. It has a mission to be recognized as the leading Caribbean Arts and Cultural Organization in North America.
Grenada "Spicemas" Carnival
Aug. 1, 2024 to Aug. 13, 2024
Parade date: Aug. 12, 2024 to Aug. 13, 2024
Location: St. George, Grenada
Grenada recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence so this year's Spicemas will be huge.
The event, which is a tribute to the island’s famous spice production, is one of the most fast-paced and anticipated time. Each year Grenda comes alive with color, pure Caribbean energy, and exciting activities, as it transforms into a massive celebration filled with the Jab Jab, elaborate costumes, intoxicating rhythms, parades, and more.
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British Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival
Aug. 5, 2024 to Aug. 7, 2024
Location: Tortola, British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival celebrates the 1834 proclamation that freed slaves in the British Virgin Islands.
Although it is a two week long, annual festival from end of July to around the 10th of August each year, festival Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the three public holidays.
