Vacation With the Islanders: Caribbean Festivals

Cold winters send many travelers to the Caribbean for a break from the snow and ice, but even when the weather's warm at home, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Caribbean. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to do in the islands year-round, especially when you consider the many delightful festivals to take in.

Carnival Events

The best-known Caribbean festival is Carnival, which is sometimes spelled "Carnaval." On many islands, this event takes place just before Ash Wednesday, but the dates vary from island to island. This event is generally an island-wide party, so while some parents with younger children may not consider Carnival the most appropriate festival, those interested in experiencing a genuine slice of island culture will usually enjoy this event.

Traditional Carnival dates are followed throughout much of the Dutch and French Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, Cura