USA One Carib Event Calendar 05_25 by onecaribbeancanada

2025 CARIBBEAN EVENTS

The Caribbean, renowned for its vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and endless charm, is gearing up for an unforgettable 2025. Across the region, a calendar brimming with events will showcase the music, art, cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions. From the soulful rhythms of Jamaica’s Reggae Month and the highenergy spectacle of Junkanoo in The Islands of The Bahamas to the elegance of Saint Lucia’s Jazz and Arts Festival and the creativity of the Chefs at the Cayman Cookout, each destination has its own story to tell.

Carnivals and parades will light up the streets with stunning costumes and electric energy, while monthly activities like Full Moon Party in the British Virgin Islands or Tuesday night street parties in Grand Case, St. Martin promise entertainment for all. Conservation-minded travelers can join the Caribbean’s growing environmental efforts during Earth Month, celebrating the islands’ natural beauty while contributing to their preservation.

Discover the ultimate blend of adventure and relaxation at the Caribbean’s premier sailing and yachting events. Set sail across crystal-clear waters, where you can indulge in exhilarating regattas, race competitions, and leisurely cruises under the tropical sun. But it’s not just about the thrill of the waves – unwind with exclusive wellness activities that rejuvenate both mind and body. From yoga on the deck to spa treatments on secluded islands, the Caribbean offers the perfect balance of sport and serenity. Whether you’re an avid sailor or seeking a peaceful escape, these unforgettable events promise an experience like no other. Join us for an unparalleled celebration of sailing, wellness, and sport in the heart of paradise.

Warm Caribbean Greetings!

One Caribbean USA is thrilled to welcome you to the first edition of our Event Guide, a vibrant showcase of the cultural events that make our region one of the most dynamic and captivating destinations in the world.

The Caribbean is more than its stunning beaches and endless sunshine—it’s a region alive with music, art, history, and celebration. It’s sailing regattas and marathons, poker-runs and chocolate, seafood and rum festivals. Our cultural events are woven into the very fabric of our identity, offering visitors the chance to experience the heartbeat of the Caribbean in its most authentic and exciting form.

Imagine dancing through the streets to the infectious beats of soca and calypso at Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival, indulging in the world-class flavors of St. Martin’s Gastronomy Festival, or immersing yourself in the joy and pageantry of Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and The Grenadines. These are just a few examples of the unique experiences waiting for you in every corner of our islands. This Event Guide is your gateway to the Caribbean’s cultural calendar, highlighting the most iconic events across the region month by month. From colorful carnivals and music festivals to heritage celebrations and culinary fairs, these events not only entertain but also provide a window into the soul of our communities, showcasing the rich traditions, talents, and hospitality of the Caribbean people.

For our American travelers, we hope this guide inspires you to plan your next journey to the Caribbean around one (or more!) of these unforgettable celebrations. Whether you’re seeking vibrant energy, cultural discovery, or simply the warmth of our tropical shores, the Caribbean offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you enchanted.

Thank you for choosing the Caribbean as your destination of choice. We can’t wait to welcome you to our region, where every celebration is an invitation to create lifelong memories.

JANUARY 2025

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

WELLNESS MONTH

All January

ONE NATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

January 11 and 12

TALISKER WHISKY ATLANTIC ROWING CHALLENGE

THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS

JUNKANOO

January 1

BARBADOS

BARBADOS SAILING WEEK

January 15 to 20

BARBADOS INDEPENDENT

FILM FESTIVAL

January 29 to February 2

BONAIRE

NOS ZJILEA CULTURAL EVENT

Last Saturday of each month

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

FULL MOON PARTY

Every Full Moon

PAINKILLER CUP

January 18th

CAYMAN ISLANDS

CAYMAN COOKOUT

January 15 to 20

MONTSERRAT

CLOSING OF CARNIVAL

January 1 or 2

ST. MAARTEN

CARIBBEAN MULTI-HULL

CHALLENGE RACE & RALLY

January 30 to February 2

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

BEQUIA MUSIC FEST

January 23 to 26

MUSTIQUE BLUES FESTIVAL

January 22 to February 6

FEBRUARY 2025

ANGUILLA

THE GREAT TREASURE HUNT

February 23

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

JOLLY HARBOUR VALENTINE’S REGATTA

February 7 to 9

RORC NELSON’S CUP SERIES

February 18 to 21

RORC CARIBBEAN 600 RACE

February 24 to 28

ARUBA

53RD TUMBA CONTEST

February 1

ARUBA CAISO & SOCA MONARCH 2025 CONTEST

February 7 & 8

PRE-JOUVERT AND JOUVERT MORNING

February 14 & 15

CHILDREN’S GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE IN ORANJESTAD

February 16

ARUBA’S GRAND LIGHTING PARADE

February 22

THE BAHAMAS/EXUMA

GEORGE TOWN CRUISING REGATTA

February 19 to March 4

BARBADOS

HORSE RACING - HOPEFUL STAKES

February 9 to 16

HOLETOWN FESTIVAL

February 9 to 16

SUN, SEA & SLAM BRIDGE TOURNAMENT

February 10 to 15

AGROFEST

February 21 to 23

BONAIRE

CARNIVAL

February 22 to March 4

NOS ZJILEA CULTURAL EVENT

Last Saturday of each month

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

BVI FOOD FETE: JOST LIME & DINE

Every Saturday and Sunday

FULL MOON PARTY

Every Full Moon

CAYMAN ISLANDS

ARTS FESTIVAL

February 6

CURAÇAO

CURAÇAO CARNIVAL

February 28 to March 5

GUYANA

GUYANA MASHRAMANI

February 23

JAMAICA

REGGAE MONTH, ISLANDWIDE

February 1 to 28

ST. MARTIN CARNIVAL

February 22 to March 5

LES MARDIS DE GRAND CASE

Every Tuesday Night

Carnival Season in the Caribbean

A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Color

The Caribbean is famous for its vibrant and high-energy carnivals, drawing visitors from across the globe to experience the spectacle of music, dance, and elaborate costumes. Each island hosts its own unique celebration, deeply rooted in cultural traditions and community spirit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned reveller, carnival season offers an unparalleled experience filled with dazzling parades, infectious rhythms, and unrestrained joy. These celebrations not only provide entertainment but also serve as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Caribbean communities. The joyous energy and cultural richness make carnival a cherished tradition that continues to evolve and expand year after year.

Caribbean Airlines flies you from Toronto to Trinidad for Carnival held each February and it is among the most iconic in the region, famous for its extravagant costumes, lively parade floats, and the pulsating beats of calypso, soca, and steel pan music. The road march in Port of Spain is a highlight, where revellers dance for hours in the streets. Events like J’ouvert, a wild pre-dawn street party, and the Soca Monarch competition, where top artists battle for the best performance, add to the excitement. This carnival is more than just an event; it is a cultural phenomenon that brings together people from all walks of life in a shared experience of music, movement, and artistic expression. The spirit of the festival is infectious, making it an unforgettable experience that lingers in the hearts of those who participate.

St. Martin’s Carnival, celebrated from late February into early March, blends French and Dutch influences, reflecting the island’s multicultural heritage. The festivities include dynamic street parties, vibrant parades, and a diverse mix of music, from soca and reggae to Latin rhythms. The island’s picturesque backdrop makes it a stunning setting for the celebrations, attracting visitors who want to immerse themselves in its dynamic cultural landscape. The fusion of traditions, lively dance performances, and elaborate costumes create a thrilling and immersive atmosphere that captivates locals and tourists alike.

Bonaire’s Carnival, spanning from mid-February to early March, may be smaller in scale but is no less lively. This hidden gem offers an intimate and authentic experience, with street parades, music, and dance infused with Afro-Caribbean heritage. The Grand Marcha is a major highlight, where revellers take to the streets in a spectacular display of energy and color. The unique charm of Bonaire’s celebrations lies in their close-knit, community-driven atmosphere, which allows visitors to experience Caribbean traditions up close. With locals enthusiastically participating in every aspect of the festivities, from costume creation to dance rehearsals, the sense of unity and pride is palpable.

In Curaçao, carnival season is a thrilling event that features massive parades, elaborate floats, and dazzling costumes. The island bursts into life with street parties, music festivals, and competitions, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy. The grand parades showcase a mix of traditional Caribbean styles and modern influences, making it an unforgettable cultural spectacle. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events, from the Tumba Festival, which highlights local music and passionate performances, to the Farewell Parade, where the celebrations culminate in an explosion of color, rhythm, and sound. The sheer scale and artistic brilliance of Curaçao’s carnival set it apart as a must-visit event for travelers.

St. Lucia’s carnival, held in July, combines modern revelry with traditional elements, offering a visually and musically rich experience. The island’s stunning landscapes provide a breathtaking setting for the energetic street parties and masquerade bands. Soca and calypso music dominate the festivities, enhancing the infectious spirit of the celebration. St. Lucia’s carnival is a growing attraction, with more international visitors joining the lively processions each year. The fusion of dazzling costumes, pulsating music, and electrifying performances ensures that every moment is infused with excitement and cultural expression.

Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, spanning from late June to early July, is one of the most anticipated summer carnivals. With vibrant street parades, soca parties, and the celebrated King and Queen of the Bands competition, this festival is a fusion of music, dance, and cultural expression. The highlight is the energetic Monday and Tuesday parades, where revellers flood the streets in elaborate costumes, dancing to infectious beats. The festival also features beauty pageants and calypso competitions, making it a multi-faceted celebration of Vincentian culture. The spirit of togetherness and cultural pride is evident in every aspect of the event, drawing both locals and tourists into its lively embrace.

Antigua and Barbuda’s carnival, held in late July to early August, is one of the most exciting in the region. Dating back to the 1950s, it celebrates the island’s heritage with lively music, spectacular costumes, and high-energy parades. The Road March is a standout event, with revellers taking to the streets from dawn to dusk in one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic street parties. The festival also includes steel pan competitions and cultural showcases that highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s rich musical legacy. The grandeur of the celebrations, combined with the warmth and enthusiasm of the participants, creates an atmosphere of pure exhilaration.

Grenada’s SpiceMas, celebrated in early August, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivities. The Monday and Tuesday Mas parades are filled with color

and energy, while the Calypso Monarch competition showcases the island’s top musical talent. The Traditional Jab Jab Parade, featuring revellers covered in oil or mud, is a striking tribute to Grenada’s African roots. This carnival stands out for its deep historical connections and powerful expressions of Caribbean identity. The pulsating beats of the drums and the spirited performances create an immersive and electrifying experience that honours the island’s history and traditions.

Montserrat’s Carnival, held in December, is a festive celebration featuring concerts, parades, and masquerade balls. The Grand Parade is the highlight, with revellers donning elaborate costumes and dancing to the rhythms of soca, calypso, and reggae music. This intimate carnival reflects the island’s warm and close-knit community spirit. Montserrat’s festivities are particularly special due to their ties to Irish and African heritage, offering a unique blend of cultural influences. The blend of traditions and festive joy make Montserrat’s carnival a truly distinctive experience that highlights the island’s diverse cultural fabric.

Junkanoo in the Bahamas, taking place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, is one of the most visually stunning festivals in the Caribbean. Known for its dazzling parades, elaborate handmade costumes, and rhythmic drumming, horns, and whistles, Junkanoo is a vibrant expression of Bahamian history and creativity. The festival’s unique artistry and dynamic energy make it an unforgettable experience. Junkanoo’s roots date back centuries, and its elaborate preparations involve months of dedicated craftsmanship by local artisans. The sheer scale and artistic brilliance of the performances showcase the depth of Bahamian culture and the dedication of its people.

The annual Goombay Summer Festival is held on a number of Out Islands in The Bahamas. On Grand Bahama Island, it is celebrated every Thursday in July. This festival showcases cultural element such

as Junkanoo rush-outs, rake and scrape, quadrille dancing, and authentic cuisine and crafts.

On the island of New Providence and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, the Goombay Summer Festival showcases Bahamian cultural heritage. Major Junkanoo Groups will perform in choreograph dancing, music, and costume, in a one-of-a-kind parade and a concert, featuring top Bahamian entertainers, a Kiddies Corner, Games and Competition, a Culinary Demo as well as native food, beverages, art and craft on sale. This event will be held from1:00pm –1:00am, on each Saturday in July.

Carnivals in the Caribbean are more than just festivals—they are living expressions of culture, history, and community. From the grandeur of Trinidad and Tobago’s celebrations to the intimate yet spirited revelry in Bonaire and Montserrat, each island brings something unique to the season. Whether you’re drawn to the spectacle of massive parades or the deep cultural roots of traditional festivities, the Caribbean offers an exhilarating experience that lingers long after the music fades. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable celebration of life, music, and culture, as each island welcomes you with open arms to revel in the joy of carnival season.

MARCH