Here is a truth that every Caribbean person more or less accepts: everything is an excuse to party! It is a fact, we can't do anything about it, it is almost beyond our control! And in general, the longer the party, the better.

If we attach so much importance to the different celebrations, it is because they have a historical origin and they are an integral part of our culture.

Example: Carnival.

Where does it come from?

Carnival is actually a mixture of African and European culture. In the Caribbean islands, it arrived with the colonizers around the 17th century.

From this tradition that they had in Europe, they impregnate the African slaves from the slave ships. Lavish receptions with abundant food were shared between the elites of the time. Near the huts, the slaves repeated this tradition by trying to copy their masters but while keeping their traditions of costumes as they were made in Africa. The drum was introduced there and the slaves danced according to the rhythms of this instrument that they used to use in their festivals. At the end of slavery, the entire population danced together and celebrated the carnival which became a festivity that the entire island appropriated.

And today?

February marks the beginning of the carnival season for most Caribbean islands. Each island celebrates it for a specific month (or months) and for a length that can vary from two weeks to three months.

The best known are those of Trinidad and Tobago and the Barbados Crop Over (where we certainly won't see our international Rihanna this year...#babybump🤰🏾).

For some islands, carnival is the major event of the year's calendar, so that preparations for a season begin as soon as the previous season ends. It is an opportunity for carnival groups and individuals to shine and demonstrate their creative talents by making imposing and colorful costumes (which require a big budget!). Even if each Carnival in the Caribbean has evolved differently with its own language, traditions and customs, they all have common points and similarities that make them the most beautiful carnivals in the world. Above all, they are an opportunity for people to get together and forget the worries of daily life, often by making fun of them.

Carnivals to know about

Puerto Rico

The Popular Carnival of Puerto Rico is a traditional event that is celebrated every year in the city of Ponce. The Ponce Carnival is the oldest on the island, its climax is Mardi Gras, the day of the burial of the "Sardine" and the end of the festivities.

Devilish “Vejigantes” roam the streets with their large masks and colorful costumes. The main character is the Monkey King who is considered “The King of Carnival.” It is the Monkey King who presides over the burial of the “Sardine.” After the burial, the people participate in the burning of the “Tua Júa” or the “Judas,” which is a grotesque doll filled with newspapers. These festivities are celebrated until midnight.

Cuba

Cuba is discovered to the rhythm of popular festivals, such as the Parrandas de Remedios (Villa Clara) or those of Bejucal (Havana), and carnivals (in Havana and Santiago de Cuba in July). For about ten years, carnivals have been gradually rising from their ashes and regaining their original fever. During these high-energy days and nights, an explosion of colors, music and joy invades the streets. In Santiago de Cuba, the Carnival Museum, located on Heredia Street lined with beautiful colonial houses, has rooms entirely devoted to the history of the event organized in the city, with its specific characteristics due in particular to its origins which mix Spanish, African and Franco-Haitian influences. A mix of cultures that has generated a great diversity of dances, rhythms and colorful costumes. It is certainly the most spectacular carnival in Cuba.

Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, countless festivities punctuate the year, starting with the colorful carnivals that take place in February, March and August. The most impressive are held in Santo Domingo, La Vega, Monte Cristi, Santa Barbara de Samana, San Pedro de Macoris and Santiago. The La Vega carnival is the most famous in the Dominican Republic. Devils with papier-mâché masks parade in their long coats decorated with small mirrors and bells, brandishing pitchforks and bladders full of water and threatening the spectators. The party ends in the evening with a debauchery of food and drink to the sound of merengue.

Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival is considered by many to be the largest in the Caribbean. It is a true folk carnival where the entire population dresses in magnificent costumes and dances in the streets to the sound of calypso. The highlight of the carnival is the Parade of the Bands, a large steelband competition held in the spring.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

With a similar origin to the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, this mass celebration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines used to take place before Lent. However in 1976 it was decided that Vincy Mas should be moved to the heat of summer. Now held between June and July, the festival is full of events such as beauty pageants, Mardi Gras and J'Ouvert: a street party that sees many revellers covering their bodies in oils, mud and paint.

The Bahamas

Junkanoo is a Bahamian holiday that begins in the early hours of December 26, with the biggest festivities taking place in the capital city of Nassau. The festival is believed to have originated during the slavery years when slaves were allowed to leave the plantations at Christmas to spend time with their families and embrace their cultural traditions. Since emancipation, Junkanoo has been celebrated at other times of the year – such as New Year’s and June – and has evolved into a euphoric gala of music and culture.

Barbados

With agricultural roots, Barbados’ Crop Over Festival dates back to the 1780s and marks the end of the harvest season in mid-July. Although the sugarcane industry suffered a significant decline in the 20th century, the event was later revived and today celebrates the region’s culture and history through music, dance, food and more.

Haiti

The main cities that celebrate Carnival are Port au Prince and Jacmel. The Carnival of Jacmel is the most popular and is considered the National Carnival despite being celebrated before that of Port au Prince and before the three fat days.

This is one of the last traditional carnivals in Haiti. In the street parade the "Zailes Mathurin" devils with bright colors and metal wings that flap). It is also an opportunity to see many very original and resplendent disguises, especially animal masks. The parades are accompanied by the "roots" groups perched on the floats.

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