The French may have Mardi Gras, and the Germans Carnival, but let’s face it: no one knows partying like those on the islands of the Caribbean. Between the colorful costumes, overflowing drinks and vibrant, rhythmic dancing, these folks sure know how to celebrate. Don’t miss a beat — follow our guide to the most epic Caribbean festivals around the world.
New York Caribbean Carnival, Brooklyn, New York
Labor Day 2014
They say you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day – but given the explosion of color that occurs at the New York Caribbean Carnival, you’d be hard-pressed to find any. Get swept along with the crowds and watch the rainbow procession, or make a detour to one of the mouthwatering food stands nearby for some delicious fried plantains.
Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Mid-July
The daddy of all reggae festivals, it doesn’t get bigger or better than Jamaica’s home-grown Reggae Sumfest. This year there’s even more reason to celebrate, as 2014 marks the 22nd birthday of this legendary party.
Crop Over, Barbados
July/August
Heralded as the country’s most colorful and crowded festival, Crop Over is an epic five-week party like no other. Initiated to celebrate the annual sugar crop harvest 40 years ago, the event features riotous festival-goers dancing through the streets to where the most productive cane croppers are crowned King and Queen.
The Notting Hill Carnival, London
An August weekend
Notting Hill is famous for its vibrant annual street festival, which is the biggest of its kind in Europe. Fêted as a West London tradition since 1966, the carnival brings the streets to life with dynamic processions of feather-clad floats, sequined costumes and the sounds of the steel drum. Better join the fun and get dancing in the street.
Trinidad Carnival, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday
Bigger than the Notting Hill Carnival, or any other Caribbean festival in the world for that matter, is the famous Trinidad Carnival. With colorful processions blasting a variety of music from Soca to Calypso, you’ll find yourself dancing with the best of them to the addictive rhythmic beats.
Junkanoo, Nassau, Bahamas
Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day
There’s no rest for the wicked in the Bahamas, since revelers take to the streets on Boxing Day (Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day drumming out the nation’s Goombay music as they go. It’s quite a spectacle, as crews of families and friends in distinguished costumes dance the procession together, each hoping to win a prize for their intricate garish designs.
Featured image: © Roger McClean/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
