Celebration is a way of life on many tropical islands
Charting a course for the Caribbean? Chances are you'll discover something beautiful to celebrate. It's a way of life here. Rain or shine, summer or winter, there's always a parade, music festival or sailing regatta somewhere. And while some festivals are all about the fun, some celebrate the art and creativity of the local culture.
If you're traveling high season (December to April) 
Caribbean Festivalsyou're almost guaranteed one on the island of your choice. Off season is surprisingly ripe for fun as well - you'll just have to look harder.
If you're all about the celebrating (or just love to see art celebrated), have a look at some of our favorite ways to make merry:
When: First rush begins on Boxing Day, second is New Year's Day and the third is in the summer - begins at 3:00 am and wraps up at noon Where: Nassau, Bahamas What: Fiercely competitive parades that involve locals competing for the title of the best costumes, music and dances.New Year Sailing Regatta
When: First week of January Where: Montagu Bay, Bahamas What: A colorful sailing regatta of 30-40 ships all built in the area - they compete across 3 classes. When: Second weekend of January Where: Various venues throughout the island What: Talent from Canada, United States, Europe and all over the Caribbean perform live all weekend long.San Sebastian Street Festival San Juan
When: Last week of January Where: Old San Juan What: The Mardi Gras of the Caribbean - revel in street parties by night; stroll the same streets filled with artisans by day. When: First week of February Where: Oranjestad & San Nicolas What: Parade after parade and parade - this is the place to be if you like to be in the center of all the fun. When: Every Sunday in February with bonanza the first weekend in March Where: Throughout the Dominican Republic and finishing up in Santo Domingo What: Intense competition between two groups - La Joya and Los Pepines. Each spends much of the year preparing and making horns and weapons made of inflated cow bladders attached to long cords. When: Mid February Where: Queen's Park Savannah, Trinidad What: A celebration of art and culture unlike anything you've ever experienced before - trust us. When: Mid-July Where: Barbados What: A three-week festival that marks the end of sugar-cane season - begins with calypso competitions and wraps up with a massive parade.
Carnival, Santiago de Cuba
When: Last week of July Where: Santiago, Cuba What: The oldest and biggest celebration of Spanish culture in the Caribbean. This carnival is a decadent feast for all your senses.Fiesta de Santiago Apostal
When: Last 5 days of July Where: Aldea Loiza, Puerto Rico What: A celebration of African and European ancestry with amazing drum ensembles, masks and traditional saint costumes.Carnival, Antigua
When: Last week of July Where: St. John's, Aruba What: Evening street parties (jump-ups), calypso music, masqueraders, floats and fabulous food to sustain you through all the fun. When: July Where: Montego Bay, Jamaica What: Bob Marley and Rastafarians from all over the world congregate every July to jam it up for a full week of fun. When: October Where: Royal Navy Dockyard, Bermuda What: A mix of international and local artists perform on a stage built over the water.Talk Back, Girlfriend and rate this post!
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