Holidays & Observances
Region of celebrationThe Caribbean has more holidays and special observances than arguably any place on earth. Not only does it share many Global traditions, but each island country has specialties of its own. Holidays from hurricanesHurricanes- or the desire to ward them off- have spawned two important holidays in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The fourth Monday in July is the day set aside to pray to the powers that be for protection from hurricanes. And every October Virgin Islanders celebrate Hurricane Thanksgiving Day, offering thanks for protection |
Feature StoriesGive a CASA cardForget store bought mass marketed cards. Give a CASA card instead. Celebrate creativity and do good at the same time. Click for more. Feliz Navidad in Viejo San JuanPuerto Rico wins the mofongo for the most festive Christmas. And Old San Juan is the soul of the celebration. Dazzling decorations, merry maracas and fabulous food create a magical mood. Click for more. Celebrating Bajan independenceAfter the first English settlement at Holetown in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony until achieving independence from Britain in 1966. November 30 is celebrated as Independence Day and is a national holiday in Barbados. Click for more. Christmas Festival in St. CroixIt's an event that adds a special flavor to the winter holidays. The annual Crucian Christmas Festival begins in December and heats up to a fabulous finale the first week in January. Click for more. Holidays from hurricanesHurricanes- or the desire to ward them off- have spawned two important holidays in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The fourth Monday in July is the day set aside to pray to the powers that be for protection from hurricanes. And every October Virgin Islanders celebrate Hurricane Thanksgiving Day, offering thanks for protection. Click for more. Region of celebrationThe Caribbean has more holidays and special observances than arguably any place on earth. Not only does it share many Global traditions, but each island country has specialties of its own. Click for more. Three Kings DayIn Puerto Rico children get their booty from the Three Kings on January 6, rather than on Christmas Day.Think Santa in triplicate - but without the silly red suits Click for more. Dominica keeps culture aliveDominica received its independence from Britain in November 1978. Every year, the country commemorates with a season of special activities designed to keep the cultural alive. Click for more. Magic of mocko jumbiesIt 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. Olde tyme Christmas in St. JohnYolanda Morton, a native of Dominica, who has lived in the Virgin Island of St.John since 1973, recalls Christmas pasts. Click for more. Suriname's red hot pagarasNew Year's Eve in Suriname is called Oud jaar, or "old year." It is celebrated with massive amounts of firecracker displays called pagara. Click for more. Nine Mornings FestivalNine Mornings Festival is celebrated in St. Vincent during the nine mornings before Christmas, beginning December 16. Click for more. South of Currier and IvesThe Caribbean sparkles, from the Bahamas to Belize, with its rich mix of holiday traditions. Click for more. Easter in the islandsMarked by regattas, spring festivals, and warmer winds, Easter ushers in a spirit of renewal here. Holiday traditions are, steeped in the region’s Spanish, English, French, and Dutch cultures. Click for more. America's childhood friendEvery November St. Eustatius celebrates the time a Dutch commander saluted an American brig, making “Statia” the first government to recognize American independence. Click for more. A celebration of heritage and unitySporting and cultural events and civic ceremony mark St. Maarten/ St. Martin's Day every November 11. Click for more. |