Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations around the globe including Brazil, but what are the other places to celebrate Carnival in the Caribbean? Similar to Mardi Gras, it has its own unique history and culture that surrounds it. This large party of sorts is celebrated in several different destinations throughout the Caribbean.
Some of the places to celebrate Carnival in the Caribbean are in:
Curacao, February 26-28
This celebration features around 60 different marching groups. They make their way down Willemstad with the sounds of African music filling the air. This celebration is tamer that some of the other ones on the list which makes it fairly family friendly. There are a variety of different activities for visitors to enjoy during this 3 day festival. Two good spots to enjoy the festivities are the Carnival Dome near the beginning of the parade route and the Carnival Tribune, near the end of it. Both have seating, music, food and drinks.
Trinidad, February 27-28
If you are looking for a wild Carnival celebration, check out the festivities that take place in Trinidad. It’s hard to find a wilder party around the globe. The event kicks off at daybreak with people throwing paint on each other. Then there is a Parade of the Bands that features revealing costumes, music and dancers. One of the most anticipated parts of the event is the playing of the steel drums which are actually empty oil drums.
St. Lucia, July 13-18
This event is so large that it takes place over 6 days. It used to occur before Lent, but many visitors would choose to go to Carnival in other countries that were taking place at the same time so it was moved back in 1999 to the summer months. Still, this event is still relatively small with only about 8 bands and a 3-mile-long parade route. The festivities mostly take place in Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia.
Barbados, August 7
Despite only lasting for one day, there is a lot that occurs during Carnival in Barbados on this day, referred to as Kadooment Day. It is a national holiday in this country. The celebrations are known as Crop Over and are meant to celebrate the end of the harvest. Smaller celebrations take place over a two-month period leading up to Carnival that includes parades, parties and a coronation of a king and queen. To participate in the most festivities, head over to the capital city of Bridgetown where most of the activities take place.
