Christmas and New Years Eve in the Caribbean!
Christmas is a festive and joyful time in the Caribbean. Each island has its own traditions and way of celebrating the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy local festivals, meet locals and tourists in bars and restaurants or simply lie on the deck of a sailboat and gaze at a million stars. There is something for everyone…and all in the carefree, easy Caribbean style.
A Sampling of Festivals and Celebrations
In Courriacou, Dec 16-18, there is the famous Parang Music Festival. This annual event is one of the most beloved in the Caribbean and attracts fantastic musicians. (www.grenadines.net)
In St. Vincent, there are caroling competitions from Dec. 16-24 and what is known as the Nine Morning Celebration. Celebrations start early every morning (4 am!) and include sea bathing, street parades, vendors selling everything imaginable, and lots of singing and dancing. (www.svgtourism.com)
In Antigua, there is a Christmas Masquerade Party at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda (ph. 260-462-1469 or [email protected]). On Christmas Day, there is a Champagne Celebration in Nelson’s Boatyard at the Antigua Yacht Club (ph. 260-468-1799 or [email protected]). Locals and tourist gather to listen to live bands, quaff champagne and enjoy the colorful, festive atmosphere. Proceeds benefit the Hourglass Foundation Charity.
In St. Martin on Dec. 19, there is the “Lighting Parade”, a show of Christmas costumes in the streets of Grand-Case. On Dec. 20, there is the Annual Christmas Lights Competition and Christmas Eve, dancing, dining and Midnight Mass. On New Year’s Eve, the Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre, there is a festive celebrations with noisemakers, balloons, and late-night dancing at hotels and restaurants.
In Guadaloupe, there is a Jazz Festival from Dec 17-18 in Pointe a Pitre, on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass with French and Creole carols and on Dec. 28, the Young Saint’s Day Parade for children carrying Christmas toys.
In Martinique, there is a Rum Festival on Dec 18 at the St. James Museum in Sainte Marie (Rum Museum 596-596-69-30-02). There is also a Christmas Caroling Festival in Saint Joseph (Association Mazincouin 596-596-79-47-15) Tourists can join locals in celebrating Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and festive dining and dancing at hotels and restaurants on New Year’s Eve.
In St. Barth’s, there are gala parties in the hotels and restaurants for New Year’s Eve…and don’t forget about having a Jimmy Buffet cheeseburger at the famous “Hamburger in Paradise” restaurant!
In Mustique, on New Year’s Eve, there is a famous party with two bands and celebrities galore at Basil’s Bar (www.basilsmustique.com). Right after Christmas from Jan 19-Feb 2 is the famous Blues Festival at Basil’s Bar.
Our Boats in the Caribbean
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If there are any other events that we should include in this article, please contact us.
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