Don’t miss
At Tobago Carnival (27–29 October), free up to the pulsing rhythms of soca and calypso against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Tobago’s unique culture and postcard-perfect natural beauty. Just like mud and paint at J’Ouvert, word of this thrilling festival — just in its second year — has spread far and wide, attracting carnival lovers to enjoy the country’s last jump up for the year. As “soca king” Machel Montano and Tobagonian “calypso queen of the world” Calypso Rose once sang: Nobody can’t stop we / No, not at all! … I dancing!
That festival feeling
Dubbed the biggest party in sport, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket action continues through 24 September, with the final two weeks unfolding alongside the excitement of Guyana’s Cricket Carnival (12–26 September).
You can also enjoy mouth-watering traditional Guyanese dishes, including piwari and pepperpot, and traditional dances during Guyana’s Indigenous Month (September).
Crew? Check. Band? Check. Section? Fire. Time to shell down the place! Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Carnival & Parade (4 September) and Miami Carnival (30 September–8 October) close out the summer carnival season up north.
Further south, a fusion of African and Mayan music, dance, and street theatre traditions take centre stage at the Belize City Carnival (9 September), while other carnivals continue in Placencia, San Pedro, and Orange Walk Town through Belize’s Independence Day (21 September).
Cinephiles and book lovers can take in great films from regional and Caribbean diaspora filmmakers at the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (6– 22 September) and the trinidad+tobago film festival (21–27 September); and join their favourite Caribbean authors and storytellers at the Brooklyn Caribbean Lit Festival (7–9 September) and Brooklyn Book Festival (24 September–2 October).
St Lucia’s diverse and abundant marine life, dive sites, and shore activities are the stars at Dive Fest (16–23 September), while the invasive lionfish is the focus of Eradication Day, cooking demonstrations, and a special feast.
Freedom reigns on Maroon Heritage Day (10 October) in Suriname, as Maroons pay tribute to their victorious ancestors’ historic peace treaty with the colonial Dutch forces (1760). Still retaining their distinctive West African identity, the tribes showcase their traditions, food, and more.
The Barbados Jazz Excursion & Golf Weekend (12–15 October) continues to bring old and new friends together in unique musical and putting ecstasy…!
The blue marlin is among the biggest and fastest fish in the sea, and at Jamaica’s Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament (18–21 October), the excitement is palpable among anglers and spectators.
The NGC Bocas Youth Fest (20–21 October) features the first of its kind expo-style programme at the University of the West Indies’ Department of Creative & Festival Arts in Trinidad. Prominent young people share how language and literature have enriched their lives and careers, while creating and performing their own work.
Each October sees Creole cultural expressions — music, dance, cuisine, art, and more — celebrated on Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day). It’s observed the last Friday and last Sunday of the month in Dominica and St Lucia respectively. What’s more, St Lucia pays homage to its Creole heritage for the entire month.
During National Warri Month (October), people of all ages enjoy this popular game (also known as mancala, oware, and the battle of wits) at the Antigua Open International Warri Tournament.
Meanwhile, Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (27–29 October) offers a welcome musical escape with a star-studded line-up, showcasing indigenous Dominican music and a range of Caribbean and world genres.
Celebrating 15 years as a collective, Trinidad’s COCO Dance Festival (28–29 October) returns with The Big 15. It features contemporary and postmodern forms of dance and choreography, plus community building programmes, and a collaboration with New York’s renowned Joffrey Ballet.
