Food, wine and rum festival in Barbados

The annual Taste of Barbados has been replaced with a four day Food, Wine and Rum Festival in November, with appearances from internationally known chefs. Click for more.

Calypso cool

Calypso music shines during carnival time. Calypso often involves satirical social commentary, focusing on politics and people Click for more.

More than reggae

Jamaica’s reggae legend will never change. But its annual Jazz and blues festival makes the island a destination for all kinds of music. Click for more.

A Jamaican carnival

Jamaica’s Bacchanal began in 1989 when over 300 revelers participated in the first carnival parade. Throughout the years, Jamaica has produced inventive mas bands and thematic celebration not easily forgotten. Click for more.

Holetown Festival in Barbados

The week-long Holetown Festival in Barbados takes place in February. It marks the first English settlement in Barbados, and features local arts and crafts, foods, and a parade of vintage vehicles. Click for more.

Jamaican festival showcases international literary talent

Jamaica’s Calabash International Literary Festival, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary this month, offers an extraordinary line up of World Class talent. Co-founder Colin Channer shares his thoughts about Calabash 2010. Click for more.

San Sebastian Street Festival in Puerto Rico

Old San Juan's annual San Sebastian Festival, in honor of St. Sebastian is an annual event in mid January. Click for more.

Magic of mocko jumbies

It couldn't be carnival without them. The fanciful figures, which loom high above the crowd dancing in defiance of evil, are rooted deep in local culture. Mocko jumbies, masked and majestic, symbolize good sprits, which chase away the bad. Click for more.

Dominica carnival in February

Carnival in Dominica known as “Real Mas”, is one of the most festive seasons in Dominica. Click for more.

Jumbie spirits

Some islanders confuse the jumbies with mocko jumbies. The first are the evil or impish spirits, while mocko jumbies are masked stilt dancers who mock the spirits and celebrate joi de vie during carnivals and special events. Click for more.

Honeymood in a mas camp

I had the nerve to get married to a carnival costume designer seven days before carnival. I arrived in the middle of the madness referred to as the mas camp, three days before the king and queen competition and six days before the parade. Click for more.