Spring time in the Caribbean

It's a time like no other! The lands of sunshine and sand come alive with events, from elaborate Easter celebrations to carnivals and music festivals – it is a time not to be missed. Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle explores some of the events happening this spring in the region …

For the carnival lover, head to Trinidad and Tobago. Held every year on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, this year’s Carnival takes place on March 4th and 5th . Known as the biggest street party on earth, you’ll see elaborate costumes and some of the best music and dancing that the Caribbean has to offer. In the early hours of the Carnival you can embrace J’ouvert where there’s a good chance you’ll end up covered in powder, paint, mud and chocolate! It’s an electric time to visit which is precisely why people end up going time and time again!

If music is your thing... then hop over to St. Martin between March 13th and 17th and experience the music festival that Billboard dubs “A mass of joyous humanity”. Akin to Burning Man, but on a beach, SXM Festival was established in 2016. Now in its third year after taking a hiatus in 2018, the festival is known to be the most beautiful electronic music festival in the world. Spend a week being entertained by some of the best international DJs and EDM talent in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands.

For more information visit www.sxmfestival.com

Between the 3rd and 7th of April you can visit Barbados and join in Vujaday Music Festival, where island chillout and festival culture come together. A thoughtfully curated experience, the festival showcases both music and cultural experiences with a focus on different styles of house and techno with both local and international DJs.

Keen sailor? Or just a sailing boat aficionado? Then the Bequia Regatta in the Grenadines takes place over the Easter weekend from April 18th – 22nd . Previously held at Whitsun, the Regatta has been running for over 35 years and is known for being one of the largest regattas in the region. A colorful celebration full of tradition, yacht racing, and shoreside activities, visitors come from all over the world. On Easter Sunday – the Regatta Lay Day – the Lower Bay beach hosts a grand fête where boatloads of visitors travel from the mainland to join in the fun.

For more information see www.bequiaregatta.com or www.bequiatourism.com

To really get into the Regatta spirit, you can visit Antigua between April 27th and May 3 rd for the ever-growing Antigua Sailing Week. Now in its 52nd year, this is one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world and features well over 100 yachts from all over the world, ranging in size from 24ft to over 100ft. From the vantage points on the shore, to the spectator boats carrying eager onlookers, it’s an unforgettable experience. The Lay Day Beach Party takes place on the penultimate day and features DJs, barbecues and activities both in, on and out of the water.

For the full schedule of events see www.sailingweek.com

For the sports addicts, the Nevis to St. Kitts cross channel swim takes place on March 31st . In its 17th year, it has become one of the ‘must do’ open water swim events in the Caribbean region. Covering 2.5 miles, the swim starts from Oualie Beach on Nevis and goes across the ‘narrows’ to finish at Cockleshell Beach on St Kitts. You can register right up to the day of the event so if you love to swim there’s no excuses!

Visit www.nevistostkittscrosschannelswim.com to sign up!

Head to any location in the Caribbean over Easter and you are bound to be inundated with endless experience opportunities. Primarily still a Christian region, Easter is celebrated with great fanfare making it a welcoming and spirited time to visit. From Carnival parades, reenactments and the jubilant air of resurrection celebrations that often feature kite flying in some of the islands, you are bound to find something special to embrace at this time of year.

Written by: Clara Dobson