Event buzz (Sep/Oct 2023)
Essential info about what’s happening across the region in September and October!
Issue 178 (September/October 2023)
The latest issue of Caribbean Beat (#178) is all new for September/October 2023! Inside, learn about Ganesh Chaturthi (one of Trinidad’s least known but most fascinating festivals); and how tiger sharks in The Bahamas helped scientists uncover the largest known expanse of seagrass in the world — a secret weapon against climate change. Explore the history of the Caribbean’s love affair with saltfish (now a savoury staple in Caribbean homes and restaurants). Solve the mystery of an enigmatic Michel-Jean Cazabon painting. And discover unique, romantic experiences you can enjoy with that special someone at every stage of your love story. As always, go inside exciting Caribbean festivals and events, enjoy our reviews of new Caribbean book and music releases, and so much more.
Foodie favourites | Event buzz
Embark on a mouth-watering pilgrimage through the Caribbean’s culinary heritage this September and October
Victoria Linares: “It gave them a sense of being seen” | Screen buzz
Victoria Linares’ second feature, which screens at this year’s T&T Film Festival, continues the filmmaker’s assured manipulation of artifice and performance — exposing cinema’s seductive lies — to arrive at deeper truths. She talks to Jonathan Ali about the process
Music buzz | Reviews (Sep/Oct 2023)
This month’s listening picks from the Caribbean — featuring reviews by Nigel A Campbell of new music by Woods; Mario Canonge Trio; Fra Fra Sound; and Sterling Gittens
Book buzz | Reviews (Sep/Oct 2023)
This month’s reading picks from the Caribbean, with reviews by Shivanee N Ramlochan of A Fierce Green Place: New and Selected Poems by Pamela Mordecai; Tobago Son by John Arnold; No One Will Come Back For Us by Premee Mohamed; and King of Soca by Elizabeth Montano
Dancing with Ganesh | Backstory
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of Trinidad’s least known but most fascinating festivals. Sharda Patasar reports on its origins, significance, and growth from humble observances in south Trinidad into a festival celebrated by Hindu communities across the island
“All saltfish sweet” | Cookup
Once upon a time, it was what some only deigned to eat. Vaughn Stafford Gray explores how saltfish has since come to reign supreme as a savoury staple in Caribbean homes and restaurants
Love is all around | Bucket list
From breathtaking landscapes to sensual music, few places in the world are better suited than the Caribbean to set the stage for your very own love story. From first dates to golden anniversaries, there’s a place in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, St Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago for every chapter …
An ocean of possibility | Discover
Tiger sharks in The Bahamas helped scientists uncover the largest known expanse of seagrass in the world. Vast and valuable, they’ve become a secret weapon against climate change. Erline Andrews reports on the opportunities — and challenges
A Cazabon mystery solved | On this day
James Ferguson uncovers the story behind an intriguing work by Michel-Jean Cazabon, Trinidad’s first great painter — with a little unexpected help from Caribbean Beat
