Don’t miss
Celebrating Indian heritage
During May and June, three countries — Guyana (5 May), Trinidad & Tobago (30 May), and Suriname (5 June) — commemorate the arrival of the earliest indentured immigrants from India, who migrated in waves beginning in the late 1830s, and whose religions, arts, food, and philosophy have enriched the Caribbean’s diverse cultural landscape. Across the region, cultural groups honour this heritage with performances, education, and historical re-enactments. What’s more, on 2 May, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr — the breaking of the fast at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is also a public holiday in T&T.
Festival time
At the much-anticipated Antigua Sailing Week (30 April–6 May), witness sailors from all over the world show off their seafaring skills, with excellent music and eats to complete the experience. Later in the month, sister isle Barbuda takes centre stage with their Caribana celebrations (28 May–1 June).
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (1–10 May) is back at Gros Islet, with regional and international artists who specialise in jazz and other genres.
May is a big month in Dominica! In addition to Jazz ‘n Creole (1 May), arts lovers can enjoy concerts, theatre, dance, and workshops at DOMFESTA (Dominica Festival of the Creative Arts). Outdoor enthusiasts, meanwhile, won’t want to miss all the Hike Fest adventures on the first three Saturdays of the month.
Barbados embraces its Celtic heritage with the Barbados Celtic Festival (12–15 May). Bagpipers, singers and drummers from England, Scotland, Wales and Canada come to the island to celebrate the unique relationship between Bajans and the Celts.
From wandering through Theobroma cacao forest to savouring exquisite chocolate-inspired cuisine, adventures await chocolate lovers and the curious at the Grenada Chocolate Festival (13–18 May).
The inaugural Grenada Dive & Conservation Festival (18–23 May) invites divers of all skill levels to discover the beautifully haunting Underwater Sculpture Park, the bustling marine life at over 30 dive sites around the island, and a range of conservation-minded activities like beach clean-ups, hunting of invasive species, and tree planting.
Guyana Carnival (20–27 May) celebrates Guyana’s Independence, fully embracing the vibrancy of local music, dance and traditions more than the traditional pomp and ceremony.
At Orlando Carnival (27–29 May), get a taste of the Caribbean in the USA with flamboyant costumes, the latest soca hits, and a community of Caribbean Carnival lovers from across the diaspora.
On 11 June, test your physical prowess in Tobago’s epic international triathlon, Rainbow Cup Tobago, where athletes from around the world will be vying for supremacy.
St Kitts Music Festival is back (24–25 June)! The lineup includes artists like Mr Killa, Koffee, and Nailah Blackman.
Head to St Vincent for Vincy Mas (24 June–5 July) to enjoy the best competitions and performances from local and regional soca artists!
