10 Amazing Caribbean Festivals to Attend That Aren’t Carnival

No one can say when and why the Nine Mornings Festival originated. What is clear is that, like many Caribbean festivals, the Nine Mornings Festival is rooted in the island’s history of slavery and Catholicism. Occurring daily during the nine days before Christmas, the festival includes waking up well before dawn (typically around 4 a.m.) to enjoy various early morning activities. The festivities include church services, caroling, concerts, and games, culminating in the Christmas Day celebrations.

Affectionately known as “the Spice Island,” for one week in May, the Grenada Chocolate Festival highlights one particular seed: the cocoa bean. With activities ranging from exploring the island’s cocoa farms and studying the history of cocoa farming and chocolate production to incorporating chocolate into various forms of wellness, the Grenada Chocolate Festival is a rich and delicious experience for any chocolate lover. More than simply a chance to enjoy chocolate treats (though there’s plenty of that), it is also an opportunity to experience and absorb a significant element of Grenadian culture.

Nicknamed “The Helen of the West Indies,” much of Saint Lucia’s history and culture is heavily rooted in the long battle between Britain and France for control of the island. And it is the French elements of the island’s history that influence the celebrations of Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day). The entire month of October is designated Creole Heritage Month in Saint Lucia, with various activities occurring across the island in observance. Everything from Miss Creole pageants to art exhibitions, variety shows, and more. However, if your time is limited, you want to be present for the final Sunday of the month, designated Jounen Kwéyòl. That is the day when across the island, celebrations of food, art, culture, and more simultaneously occur.

Like Saint Lucia, the island of Dominica has a rich French-influenced history, which is reflected through its various creole celebrations, including its own Creole Day, celebrated on the last Friday of October. However, if you’re in the mood for a music festival, the island’s legendary World Creole Music Festival is not to be missed. Founded in 1997 as a vehicle to promote the island, improve tourism, and celebrate and develop its art and entertainment industries, the festival has grown into a marquee celebration of creole music and culture.

In the mood for some swashbuckling, treasure-hunting, good old-fashioned pirate cosplaying? Then take a trip down to the Cayman Islands for Pirates Week celebrations. Rooted in the island’s history of pirate attacks, where it is believed that a pirate invasion pushed out the first settlers on the island, the festival fully embraces this swashbuckler theme, from mock pirate invasions to costume parties. Starting this year, the festivities have been expanded into a seven-week-long celebration, beginning in September and running well into November.

Experience all the beauty and excitement the island of St. Kitts & Nevis has to offer while enjoying the sounds of local and international musical artists at the annual St. Kitts Music Festival. Founded in 1996, the festival aimed to increase the island’s tourism and global visibility while promoting local musicians and entertainers. Including specific theme nights—for example, Calypso/Soca, Jazz, and Gospel—the festival offers something special for everyone. The St. Kitts Music Festival celebrates St. Kitts & Nevis sights, sounds, and culture for music lovers everywhere.

Delicious food mixed with some of the best rum cocktails in the world; what could be better? Founded in 2009, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival is a natural fit for an island considered to be “the rum capital of the world” (a history that spans more than 300 years). The festival brings together some of the best local and international culinary and mixology talent for four days. Savor an abundance of flavors against the backdrop of Barbados’ beautiful sights and sounds.

As the birthplace of reggae music, it is no surprise that Jamaica hosts one of the longest-running reggae music festivals in the Caribbean. Reggae Sumfest debuted in 1993, and while the festival has had its ups and downs throughout the decades, it remains one of the premier reggae music festivals in the world. A celebration of the various genres of reggae music (dancehall, ragga, lover’s rock, etc.), the week-long annual event has welcomed both local and international artists throughout the years. If you’re looking to soak up one of Jamaica’s most distinctive cultural sounds, Reggae Sumfest is a must.

The Caribbean is a melting pot of cultural expression, artistry, and creativity. Therefore, creating an event that celebrates this collective of creative talent and energy is only fitting. CARIFESTA, which stands for Caribbean Festival of Arts, was established in 1972 by then President of Guyana, Forbes Burnham, as an avenue that “depicts the life of the people of the Region, their heroes, morals, myths, traditions, beliefs, creativity and ways of expression.” Held in various CARICOM nations, under a different theme each year, CARIFESTA is the perfect event for anyone seeking a taste of the Caribbean’s rich cultural history.