Art, History & Culture, Festivals, Carnivals and Events, Insider Info
Article written by Theresa Storm.
The World Heritage List includes 1,248 cultural and natural heritage (and mixed) properties that the World Heritage Committee considers to have outstanding universal value. And eight of the World Heritage sites are located in Caribbean countries that are members of One Caribbean Canada.
Let’s take a look at what you can see and do at three of the Caribbean’s World Heritage sites.
Martinique
Mount Pelée, Martinique — where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views from this UNESCO-listed volcanic summit; photo courtesy of the Martinique Tourism Committee
The volcanoes and forests of Mount Pelée and the pitons of northern Martinique comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their representation of volcanic processes and forest types.
At 1,397 metres, Martinique’s highest point is a closely monitored active volcano responsible for one of the most destructive eruptions of all time. On May 8, 1902, Mount Pelée violently exploded and its pyroclastic flow (cloud of gas, ash and rock) wiped out Saint Pierre – then the capital – and its nearly 30,000 inhabitants in just a few minutes.
Today, you can get a closeup look by hiking to the summit, called Le Chinois, and walking around the caldera — each of the three trails winding around Pelée is designated for different hiking levels, from beginner to experienced. As you ascend, enjoy scenic views of the entire island and note the unique plants that flourish on the rainforest-clad slopes. It’s best — and safest — to be accompanied by a guide, who will teach you about Mount Pelée’s rich plant and animal life, as well as its history and geology.
If Le Chinois is physically off limits, discover Mount Pelée through these visitor experiences:
The Earth Science Discovery Centre, housed in a contemporary earthquake-proof building at the mount’s foot, offers interactive exhibitions, films, the eruption’s centenary exhibition and a themed garden.
DoME, a scientific space also nestling at the foot, delivers an immersive experience where landscape, meteorology and ecosystems come to life. Walk along the aerial museum ramp overlooking the hiking trail for a spectacular view of the ecosystem.
The Frank A. Perret Museum, which tells the story of the tragic eruption, The House of Volcanoes and Emerald Estate are other options.
St. Kitts
Perched high above the Caribbean Sea, Brimstone Hill Fortress stands as a testament to 17th-century military engineering; photo courtesy of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
The Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park on the island of St. Kitts is a UNESCO-listed cultural property because it’s a well-preserved example of 17th- and 18th-century military architecture and engineering in a Caribbean context.
It’s the most extensive historic British military fortification in the Western Hemisphere and one of the best-preserved, as well as the second largest citadel in the Caribbean. Brimstone Hill sits on a double-peaked, steep volcanic hill 244 metres above sea level with sweeping coastal views. Thus it is known as the ‘Gibraltar of the West Indies’.
Designed by the British military and built to exacting standards by African slave labour, the fortress is testimony to European colonial expansion, the African slave trade and the emergence of new societies in the Caribbean, the UNESCO website explains.
Visitors are encouraged to step way back in time at this sprawling complex that protected the isle from sea attacks and served as a refuge. Rent an audio guide in the visitor’s centre and watch the historic film before exploring the well-preserved heart of the fortress, Fort George (also known as the Citadel). Completed in the late 1700s, this is the earliest surviving example of the polygonal system of fortress design.
Also tour the Fort George Museum and wander through the bastions, ramparts and other structures intermittently constructed from 1690 to the 1790s on different levels of the hill. Also pay a call to the gift shop housed in the reconstructed Commissariat Building.
For sure you’ll want to get your camera out to snap unobstructed panoramic vistas of lush vegetation, the historical township of Sandy Point and the neighbouring Dutch, English and French islands.
Brimstone Hill Fortress is open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Nicaragua
Standing tall since the 18th century, the Cathedral of León is a masterpiece of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Cover photo and above photo courtesy of Visit Nicaragua (photographer: Peter Langer).
Due to its artistic, cultural and historical value, the León Cathedral, located in the heart of the city of León, Nicaragua, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
A visit to this white cathedral in the Central Plaza is a must. Not only is it the city’s crown jewel, but it’s the most important cathedral in Nicaragua and the largest in Central America. Hire a guide at the entrance or inside the nave, who will enrich your visit by pointing out what’s notable and providing information you otherwise won’t know. (A visit to the cathedral is also included in most León walking tours.)
Built between 1747 and the early 19th century, it’s a masterpiece of colonial architecture transitioning from Baroque to Neoclassical. As well, the León Cathedral exceptionally illustrates the Antigua Guatemala Baroque architectural style.
Its thick, horizontal proportions and low towers are uniquely designed to withstand earthquakes, representing a distinctive Latin American architectural adaptation, according to UNESCO. Certainly, the overall style is eclectic.
Decor inside the cathedral is restrained but the vault of the sanctuary is richly ornamented and natural light illuminates the altar. Notable works of art include a wooden Flemish altarpiece and paintings of the Way of the Cross by Nicaraguan artist Antonio Sarria.
Discover the cathedral’s terraces, art gallery, El Sagrario chapel, Patio del Príncipe (Prince’s Courtyard), the basement crypts and the tomb of the renowned Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío, which is marked by a sculpted stone lion. Also learn about the hidden network of seven underground earthquake-protection tunnels.
The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be your climb up a narrow stairway to the rooftop, which offers panoramic views of the cathedral’s large white domes, the city of León, nearby volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
The cathedral is open daily for visitors to explore the church and crypts:
- Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
- Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Tickets for the rooftop cost $3 to $4 USD and it is open:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m.
- Closed Sunday.
Visit early or late to avoid the midday heat.
Article by Theresa Storm. A four-month-long solo island-hopping adventure through the Caribbean 28 years ago ignited Theresa’s passion for the tropics, culture, nature and trying new adventures.
Back home in Calgary, her increasingly restless, itchy feet soon led to a career writing about travel worldwide. She loves escaping winter for warmer climes, especially to the Caribbean, which has long felt like her real home.
As an award-winning travel writer and photographer, she’s penned scores of articles for magazines, newspapers and e-zines, and contributed to books including Caribbean Escapes and the first edition of DK Eyewitness Caribbean.
Her articles and photographs have been published in magazines including Bon Vivant, Extraordinary Experiences and Vacations (Ensemble Travel Group), Wanderlust (U.K.), Avenue Calgary, WestJet (WestJet Airline’s in-flight), Morning Calm (Korean Air’s in-flight), LUXE Magazine Canada, AAA publications, Cruise & Travel Lifestyles, Dreamscapes and Today’s Parent.
She is a two-time winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Canadian Travel Writer of the Year award and twice won CTO’s best photograph with a feature article and best online feature. She also was honoured with the Travel Media Association of Canada’s excellence in Caribbean travel writing award.
Art, History & Culture, Festivals, Carnivals and Events, Insider Info
Article written by Theresa Storm.
The West Indies counts 13 sovereign countries, plus Guyana, a nearby Caribbean nation on the northeast coast of South America. All celebrate their independence with a national holiday marked by a parade, flag raising and cultural festivities, which often carry on for a month.
With national pride high and culture fully on display, it’s a fun time to visit. Here’s a look at some independence day celebrations around the Caribbean:
Barbados
Crop Over has a way of turning first-timers into devoted fans — one steel pan beat and splash of colour at a time; photo courtesy of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
This November 30, Barbados celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence. Themed “Gathering as One Nation”, the year-long diamond jubilee festivities kicked off at the beginning of the year and will ramp up closer to Independence Day. The island is alive with events, limes and gatherings and the air is filled with music and the aroma of tantalizing food. Visitors are invited to join the nation in celebration and experience its warmth and rich cultural heritage.
One event visitors shouldn’t miss is the Spirit of the Nation Show, a signature cultural event celebrating community talent. Participants from Barbados’ 11 parishes showcase their communities through dance, music, historical landmarks and community projects. (Usually held the second Saturday of November at Garfield Sobers Gymnasium beginning around 6 p.m. and lasting several hours. Ticket announcement on ‘communityindependence246’ on Instagram and other socials.)
Visitors should also take in the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), where talent shines in music, dance, drama, and visual and culinary arts by Barbadians at home and across the diaspora. (Primarily held in Bridgetown, with the finals and gala usually at Frank Collymore Hall late November, and the culinary and visual arts exhibition at Queen’s Park.)
Then, on November 30, the grand Independence Day Parade — surely the jubilee’s highlight — features hundreds of participants, including the iconic Barbados Landship, the defence force, the police service and its band, cadets, scouts, girl guides and other civil society organizations, all marching in a spectacular show of pageantry and national unity. The raising of the nation’s flag will be a moment of pride and celebration. (8 a.m. – 12 or 1 p.m., venue to be announced with free tickets from Government Headquarters, St Michael. No ticket needed to watch the street parade.)
Dominica
In Dominica, independence isn’t just marked — it’s marched, danced, and sung through every street in town! Photo courtesy of the Dominica Tourism Authority.
Independence Season runs October through early November, culminating on Independence Day, November 3, a national holiday commemorating Dominica‘s independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.
Although the daily program of parades, cultural shows, village events and official ceremonies is not yet released, annual festivities not to be missed include:
World Creole Music Festival (October 23 to 25 in Roseau)
The biggest tourism draw during Independence Season, performers from the Caribbean and Creole-speaking world attract thousands of visitors to hear Afro-Caribbean, bouyon, cadence-lypso, zouk, reggae, soca, kompa and dancehall music.
Heritage Day (October 25 in a host village – location to be advised)
One of the most authentic cultural experiences of the season, Heritage Day celebrates Dominican and Kalinago culture through folk music, dance, food, storytelling and community activities.
Creole Day (October 30)
Known locally as Jounen Kwéyòl, many residents actively participate in this signature cultural celebration by donning traditional Creole dress and telling stories in Creole. The day includes folk performances, cultural exhibitions and local foods and markets.
Independence Day (November 3)
Activities include official state events, military and police parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, concerts and community celebrations.
Antigua and Barbuda
When Antigua and Barbuda marks its independence, the flags come out in full force — and the smiles are even bigger; photo courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
On November 1, 1981, the flag of the new nation of Antigua and Barbuda was raised to fireworks and ringing church bells, ending 350 years of British rule.
Parades, street galas, food fairs, competitions and cultural exhibitions fill the week-long calendar of events celebrating independence, which this year marks its 45th anniversary. Although the calendar for this year is not yet released, activities will include:
- The National Schools’ Panorama, an electrifying, island-wide showcase of young musical talent, hosted at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
- The National Independence Church Service.
- The Festival of Choirs, a celebration of choral music and a fixture of Independence Day, uniting local choirs and the National Choir of Antigua and Barbuda.
- The National Independence Ceremonial Parade on Nov. 1, a public holiday and the peak of Independence Day celebrations, that sees the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, the Royal Police Force, civil servants and other civil society organizations march through Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
- The National Food Fair on Nov. 3 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, spotlighting culinary favourites like salt fish, ducana, fungee and pepperpot.
The Antigua and Barbuda Associations in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary may also host independence celebrations.
Official information from the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission is on https://www.instagram.com/antiguafestivalcommission/
Guyana
Guyana’s Independence Day celebrations at Fort Zeelandia honoured Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee. ©Guyana Tourism Authority-Deonarine Chand
On May 26 this year, Guyana marked its 60th Independence anniversary. A month-long program themed “The Homecoming — Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee” welcomed the diaspora and visitors, while showcasing culture, heritage, cuisine, and community and tourism experiences. It included the first national drone show at the National Stadium on Independence Day.
The program for Independence 2027 is not announced, but based on longstanding traditions, the most engaging visitor events will include:
Cultural festivals and performances — showcasing Guyana’s diverse heritage through music, dance and the arts.
Culinary events — offering visitors authentic Guyanese cuisine.
Heritage and tourism experiences — highlighting the country’s history, culture and natural attractions.
Community celebrations and public events — interacting with locals and experiencing the festive atmosphere.
The National Flag Raising Ceremony — experiencing national pride and celebration firsthand.
Anguilla
The thrill of traditional boat racing has been woven into Anguilla’s identity long before — and long after — independence; photo courtesy of the Anguilla Tourism Authority.
As Anguilla is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, it does not celebrate independence. Instead, the island observes Anguilla Day May 30 (celebrated the following Monday if May 30 falls on the weekend). It’s a public holiday commemorating the start of the 1967 Anguilla Revolution which saw locals resisting governance by St. Kitts and Nevis.
This year, the 59th Anniversary was marked with an official ceremony and parade to honour the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for self-determination. The two-hour event included prayers, addresses, music, cultural performances, military displays and award presentations. Later, folks gathered for the traditional round-the-island boat race.
Anguilla Day 2027 will likely be celebrated May 31 (a 2027 official holiday list isn’t published yet).
Editor’s Note: Anguilla will celebrate it’s Jubilee next year – 60 years of independence!
Article by Theresa Storm. A four-month-long solo island-hopping adventure through the Caribbean 28 years ago ignited Theresa’s passion for the tropics, culture, nature and trying new adventures.
Back home in Calgary, her increasingly restless, itchy feet soon led to a career writing about travel worldwide. She loves escaping winter for warmer climes, especially to the Caribbean, which has long felt like her real home.
As an award-winning travel writer and photographer, she’s penned scores of articles for magazines, newspapers and e-zines, and contributed to books including Caribbean Escapes and the first edition of DK Eyewitness Caribbean.
Her articles and photographs have been published in magazines including Bon Vivant, Extraordinary Experiences and Vacations (Ensemble Travel Group), Wanderlust (U.K.), Avenue Calgary, WestJet (WestJet Airline’s in-flight), Morning Calm (Korean Air’s in-flight), LUXE Magazine Canada, AAA publications, Cruise & Travel Lifestyles, Dreamscapes and Today’s Parent.
She is a two-time winner of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Canadian Travel Writer of the Year award and twice won CTO’s best photograph with a feature article and best online feature. She also was honoured with the Travel Media Association of Canada’s excellence in Caribbean travel writing award.
Festivals, Carnivals and Events, Gastronomy, Insider Info
Article by Adam Waxman.
In the Caribbean, food is more than sustenance, it’s storytelling.
Across the region, iconic ingredients take centre stage in vibrant festivals that blend heritage, hospitality and pure island joy. From the juicy abundance of the Nevis Mango Festival to the aromatic allure of the Jamaica Coffee Festival, the fire-grilled flair of the Cayman Islands Cookout to the tropical sweetness of the Bahamas Coconut Festival and the seaside indulgence of the Anguilla’s seafood festival—these gatherings showcase the flavours that define each destination, and celebrate the unique culture, creativity and community spirit of the islands.
Cayman Cookout
Cayman Islands
Exceptional flavours, celebrated chefs and a stunning seaside setting define Cayman Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman.
A cookout without peer, the Cayman Islands attracts chefs, sommeliers, bartending champions, artists and talent from across the world of gastronomy. Eric Ripert, José Andrés and Emeril Lagasse are among a constellation of culinary stars who give a command performance of culinary theatre.
Located along Seven Mile Beach at the luxurious Ritz Carlton, it is known for its “barefoot elegance.” Fireworks light up the sky as we sit in billowing white tents on the manicured sandy beach. We swoon at intimate cooking demonstrations; master blenders teach us how to blend our own rum; sommeliers host wine tastings; there are gala dinners, unique “Grown in Cayman” island excursions, and chef-led dining events like the Barefoot BBQ on the beach; and we, laid-back, indulge in all the local specialties of this pristine paradise.
Blue Mountain Coffee Festival
Jamaica
Craving a true taste of Jamaica? Blue Café is worth a visit during the Blue Mountain Coffee Festival. Photo courtesy of Blue Café.
Next to rum, Jamaica’s greatest liquid asset is its rare, high-altitude Arabica coffee.
Grown in volcanic soil, it is prized for its smooth texture and non-bitter profile of floral, nutty, and chocolate notes. The coffee festival provides a brew-tiful opportunity for coffee excursions to explore coffee farms, dine along the picturesque Blue Mountain Culinary Trail for quintessential Jamaican cuisine with flavours not found anywhere else and, of course, shopping for premium local coffee and coffee-infused products.
The Jamaica Food & Drink Meet Street + The Market perks up the vibe with world class coffee paired with local cuisine, while the Farmers Trade Day—available by invitation only—offers workshops with the cognoscenti of Jamaica’s coffee industry. Don’t miss coffee seminars, product samples and gate prizes at the Festival Marketplace in Kingston’s lush Hope Gardens, or the Barista Competition, in which the crème de la crème of coffee afficionados flaunt their artistry for all coffeeholics to admire and be inspired. There is no substitute for tropical island coffee in paradise.
Nevis Mango Festival
Nevis
Mango lovers won’t want to miss this vibrant celebration of Nevis’ signature fruit. Photo courtesy of Nevis Tourism Authority.
Sweet and Juicy! Nevis is rich in both beauty and culture, and is the ideal location for growing over forty-four different types of succulent and delicious mangoes that proliferate from thousands of mango trees to create a mango lovers’ paradise.
The Mango Festival embraces the natural surplus of mangoes and offers a variety of activities around this ambrosial fruit. For the Love of Mangoes is culinary showcase of recipes inspired by the Nevisian mango for visitors to sample from the island’s top chefs. For a more personalized experience, the Supper Club offers a multi-course dinner curated by a Celebrity Chef, in which each dish highlights the vibrancy and versatility of the mango.
There’s even a Chef’s Masterclass to inspire your skills at home. The Passport Food Tour is like a bucket list of special mango cocktails and dishes from around the island. Collect as many stamps as you can! And the Pinney’s Beach Bar Crawl leads us along the shoreline for the most revitalizing mango cocktails in the world. Taste the imagination of chefs combined with the nectar of the Gods!
Festival Del Mar
Anguilla
Seafood lovers can savour grilled lobster and island flavour at Anguilla’s Festival Del Mar. Photo courtesy of the Anguilla Tourist Board.
Enchanted by an idyllic white halo of sand with laid-back vibes, we relish in the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” that is Anguilla, where chefs are endlessly creative, using spices and techniques from around the world.
Their Festival Del Mar is an immersion into the local merroir that the local chefs celebrate with panache. Set against the backdrop of the Island Harbour fishing village, the festival brings together live music from soca to reggae; aquatic competitions from swimming to deep-sea fishing and boat racing; artisanal art and crafts like jewelry, blown-glass, metal and woodwork. Of course, the highlight is fresh-caught seafood, and there are even culinary competitions featuring snapper and all sizes of lobster. It’s a deep dive into the island’s maritime spirit.
Pelican Point Coconut Festival
The Islands of The Bahamas
Try your hand at husking a coconut at the lively Pelican Point Coconut Festival, where island traditions take centre stage. Photo courtesy of the Bahamas/Tourism Today
Swap your Easter Eggs for Coconuts! One of the largest cultural events of The Bahamas, on Grand Bahama Island, is the coconut festival, which celebrates Bahamian culture through the sweet water and creamy meat of this nutrient-dense drupe.
What is a Coconut Barking Contest? It’s actually a competition to see who can remove the bark of the coconut the fastest. Watch in amazement! Live entertainment on the beach at Pelican Point, along with cultural performances and games, includes top local artists and Junkanoo groups. A vast range of coconut-infused dishes, from traditional Bahamian specialties to innovative selections span sweet to savoury and cocktails to curries. Lingering in the sand and wading in the ocean with a skewer of crunchy charred coconut shrimp in one hand and a refreshing Bahamian Gully Wash (fresh coconut water, gin, condensed milk) in the other, is a luxurious indulgence. Bring an appetite and a bathing suit!
Article by Adam Waxman. Adam Waxman is a freelance travel and wellness writer, and senior writer for DINE and Destinations magazine.
For over twenty-five years Adam has contributed to various publications in Canada, the US and Japan, including Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, enRoute, Dreamscapes, Nikkei Voice and Hollywood Reporter.
He has been a media liaison for Destination Toronto, Destination Ontario and sole Canadian member of the Japan Advisory Board for inbound tourism to Japan. Adam is also a New York-trained musical theatre actor, and has appeared on film and television, as well as stages from Off-Broadway in New York to the Stratford Festival.
Festivals, Carnivals and Events, Insider Info
Article by Karen Burshtein.
For fans of genuine island vibes, few things beat enjoying live music at a Caribbean beach bar. Picture a charming, colourful outdoor spot—often crafted from driftwood—where fantastic live tunes flow as freely as the tropical drinks.
Take a look, and a listen, at these five Caribbean beach bars with great live music:
ANGUILLA
Full of authentic, uplifting rhythm
Legendary Anguillian musician Bankie Banx performing at his iconic beach bar, The Dune Preserve, where music, sea, and island soul come together.
Anguilla has some mighty fine white sand beaches, some swank hotels and great fresh caught seafood. But it’s the island’s music you might remember most. Tiny Anguilla pushes above its weight in talented music acts.
The island’s biggest music star, Bankie Banx, who, with his gruff, honey-smooth folky-reggae voice, sounds like Dylan meets Bob Marley, performs at Dune Preserve, the bar he owns on Rendezvous Bay. CNN called it the best beach bar in the world and Justin Bieber has hung out there. Banx usually plays on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights. He also hosts the beloved Moonsplash Reggae Festival at the bar.
Banx’s son, Omari Banks, is the heir apparent to the island’s music scene. You can hear his reggae sounds, including his fabulous “No Point to Prove” at da’Vida Beach Bar on Wednesdays and on Fridays at his dad’s Dune Preserve bar.
What to Order:
At the Dune Preserve: The signature Duneshine Ginger Rum Punch
At da’Vida Beach Bar: Their must-try Rum Punch
JAMAICA
Feel the infectious reggae beat at the heart of Jamaica
Sunset vibes and tropical drinks at Dougie’s Bar, the heart of Jake’s Treasure Beach, Jamaica; photo courtesy of Jake’s.
I’ve collected a ton of great Caribbean memories but one of my all time favourites is watching the sunset at Jake’s Treasure Beach, a hotel located on the south shore of Jamaica, while listening to reggae tunes. The Henzell family, who created and own Jakes, helped bring reggae to the world through father Perry Henzell’s movie ‘The Harder They Come’. Jakes is located a two-hour ride from Montego Bay airport on Frenchman’s Bay. But what it lacks in easy access it more than makes up for in barefoot luxe atmosphere.
Jake’s is a total vibe and a big part of that vibe comes from the onsite outdoor bar. Dougie’s is a small, red-painted hut with stools in front and great music playing on the sound system. It opens at 10 am and more than one guest has whiled away the day there playing dominoes and hanging with the fisherman. Others gather in the evening for a beer and subdued chatter about the day. Everything comes to a standstill as the sun begins to set as people pay respect to the beautiful sight. And, though Jake’s doesn’t have live music as a rule, someone usually picks up a guitar and starts strumming while others drum and sing. It’s like the chillest gathering of friends. And, if you’re there on February 6, (Bob Marley’s birthday) it’s even more special. Many people plan their trip to Jake’s around this date.
What to Order: Red Star Beer
BARBADOS
Barbados moves to vibrant calypso music and more
Live tunes, laughter with friends, and island vibes all around; photo courtesy of Surfer’s Bay Resort.
Once you’ve snapped a picture of yourself in front of Rihanna’s childhood home (now a feature on most tours of Barbados’ capital, Bridgetown) you can schedule your next music-related activity. For that, head to Surfer’s Bay on Silver Sands Beach to hear some great live Caribbean sounds.
Surfer’s Bay has a prime location right on the water which just adds to the allure of its live sets. These take place especially on Sundays where there’s also a bonfire. It’s a great mix of chill vibes, great music, ocean views and of course the famously spectacular Barbadian sunset.
If you’re looking for something a little formal, join the stylish crowd at Jeremy’s in Holetown. This lively but intimate piano bar is known for its great live performances focusing on local talent and its talented baristas who make exquisite and delicious cocktails. Depending what’s on the music schedule drinks may be included in the ticket price
What to Order:
Surfer’s Bay: Fresh coconut water.
Jeremy’s: Let the expert baristas craft a cocktail for you.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
Feel the island vibes through its music
Savour fresh seafood, island breezes, and live music at the iconic da Conch Shack in Turks and Caicos Islands; photo courtesy of da Conch Shack
The Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their beautiful white sand beaches and many shipwrecks. An area called The Blue Hills, so named as the hills appear blue when viewed from beyond the barrier reef, has some great snorkeling opportunities in the tranquil and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
When it comes to après-snorkeling head to da Conch Shack Restaurant and Rum Bar. This place has all the vibes, fresh seafood and great music. Throughout the week there are different live acts as well as some DJ sets. Wednesday is party night: ‘We Funk Junkanoo’ Band goes down from early evening to midnight. But equally good are Saturday and Sunday afternoons, when da Conch Shack presents live music to go with sunny days.
Settle in at the restaurant, watch horseback riders gallop along the beach and enjoy lunch of the freshest and tastiest seafood, fish and conch harvested steps away, all while listening to island tunes. It’s as great a way to spend a weekend day as we can think of.
What to order: Rum Punch or locally brewed Turk’s Head beer.
ST. MAARTEN
Experience the lively and diverse rhythms that define St. Maarten’s music scene
Chill by the turquoise waters at Buccaneer Beach Bar, where tropical drinks, live music, and laid-back island vibes meet; photo courtesy of St. Maarten Tourism Bureau
Buccaneer Beach Bar is a locally loved favourite overlooking Kim Sha Beach on the Dutch side of the island. Buccaneer is laid back and full of Caribbean charm. Yes they have classic rock and acoustic offerings but if you come for Reggae Nights you will get the whole Caribbean atmosphere, magnificent sunsets included.
Reggae Nights take place on weekends when you can hear the likes of Percy Rankin and the Bunfire Band. Enjoy a fresh caught lobster or a plate of tacos and a great frozen cocktail as you soak in the vibe. Just want a drink and to hang out? Perch upon a stool at the tiki-style bar and enjoy the company of regulars. It feels like everyone’s favourite beach bar on St. Maarten.
What to drink: A cocktail made with local specialty Guavaberry Rum
Article by Karen Burshtein. Karen Burshtein is an award-winning Toronto-based travel and culture writer with a love of history, saltwater and open water swimming.
She was born in Winnipeg, Canada and writes about all aspects of Canadian culture and history. She also travels the world where she likes to seek out the untold, the unconventional, and the quirky.
Festivals, Carnivals and Events, Gastronomy, Insider Info
Article written by Mark Stevens. Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens.
I love beaches. I really love beaches boasting beach bars.
I’ve visited more than forty Caribbean islands and I have yet to meet a sun-kissed watering hole I didn’t like.
In the process I’ve discovered some standouts.
Add them to your own bacchanalian bucket list – or discover one that speaks to your heart – then prepare to party hearty.
Dune Preserve (Anguilla)
Both rustic and eclectic, Anguilla’s Dune Preserve has been rated the world’s best beach bar.
CNN Travel once rated Anguilla’s Dune Preserve the world’s best beach bar.
Given its fame, Dune Preserve is surprisingly rustic. Much of its construction material – and a big part of the décor – was actually salvaged from stuff that washed up on the beach. Case in point: an overturned sailboat hull serves as the foundation for the bar. The beach itself – on Rendezvous Bay – offers fantastic views of the voluptuous distant hills of St. Martin, views you can enjoy from any one of the four or five decks of varying heights.
Its owner, international Reggae star Bankie Banx, is an important reason for Dune Preserve’s reputation. Live music all weekend every weekend or visit in March for a multi-day music festival called “Moonsplash.”
Come for the ambiance, stay for the music. And discover why CNN Traveler called it the “world’s best.”
Nipper’s Beach Bar and Grill (Great Guana Cay, Abacos, The Bahamas)
Don’t miss the popular Sunday pig roast at Nipper’s on the Bahamian island of Great Guana Cay.
Despite its relative solitude, the Abacos’ Great Guana Cay is reputedly home to The Bahamas’ best beach bar. Visit on a Sunday afternoon for the pig roast and you’ll experience Nipper’s Beach Bar and Grill’s popularity first-hand. This establishment lies at the top of a stairway descending a steep slope to a windswept wave-lashed but gorgeous beach on the island’s windward side.
It occupies the highest ground on this laid-back cay, another establishment that boasts multi-leveled wooden decks offering great views. Come Sunday the place fills up, people lounging on the beach below, crowding the pastel-painted picnic tables, filling up the pool, noshing on the roast pig, washing it down with a house specialty called the “Nipper,” a concoction one server describes as “rum, rum, rum, orange juice and Grenadine”.
Nippers’s is known as a haunt of celebrities. Johnny Depp’s been sighted here and (admittedly pre-Dorian) Justin Bieber supposedly celebrated his engagement here. If you do get to the Sunday afternoon bacchanal take a look around.
Even if your neighbours don’t recognize you, you may well recognize them.
Kon Tiki Bar (Antigua and Barbuda)
Kon TIki, just off the beach at Antigua’s Dickenson Bay, is a must-do floating party spot!
Though it’s not actually located on the beach, a floating bar called Kon-Tiki still deserves a mention on my must-do list. This Antigua watering hole isn’t far from the sand, it’s only two hundred metres off the beach. Its décor is admittedly minimal – a thatched-roof-shaded wooden bar lounging on a weather-beaten raft with an area no bigger than some people’s living rooms.Maybe that’s part of the appeal: limited seating and you can only get here by boat.
The ultimate in exclusivity.
Its location – on the water, just off Dickenson Bay’s beach, one of Antigua’s most popular destinations for sun, sea and sand – is also another reason it’s so popular. I discovered it during a recent sailing trip, driving over in our sailboat’s dinghy. Once aboard I order their rum punch. The strength of that cocktail alone is sufficient to earn Kon Tiki a place on this list. This is a rollicking (and sometimes rolling) destination where hearty partying is a must-do.
Even if it’s not actually a beach bar.
Big Bastard’s Beach Bar + Patio (Philipsburg, Sint Maarten)
Canadian-owned Big Bastard’s is ideally located on Sint Maarten’s Great Bay!
Sint Maarten’s Big Bastard’s doesn’t quite qualify as a “beach” bar either. It’s located across Philipsburg’s “boardwalk,” from the beach itself though they maintain a prime section of sand on Great Bay, offering “chaise-service” to your beach chair shaded by a teal umbrella. Having heard that it’s owned by two Canadians, Steven McBride and Marcel Berube, I make it a point to stop by. I ask them about their claim that Big Bastard’s is Sint Maarten’s best beach bar.
“We’re the only ones who offer an all-inclusive day package that includes the variety of beach games, access to the chairs and drinks,” says Berube.
My second question is more pragmatic.“Signature cocktail?” A “Guavaberry Colada”, a Sint Maarten version of the Piña Colada, almost immediately appears before me. Sipping this irresistible drink, I chat with McBride and Berube, discovering they once served poutine here. I feel like bursting into a chorus of “O Canada.”
And maybe ordering one more “Guavaberry Colada”.
Soggy Dollar (Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands)
Soggy Dollar bar on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is best-known for an infamous drink called the ‘Painkiller’.
I fell in love the first time I visited Soggy Dollar bar on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. My affection grows with every return trip. I even like its name. Cruising boaters used to anchor inside the nearby reef then they’d swim ashore and pay with soggy dollars. This place really comes to life on Sunday afternoons. That’s when the beach turns into a veritable motorboat parking lot courtesy of a regular crowd from nearby St. Thomas. They come for the crystal waters, the view, an iconic cocktail invented right here.
First “Painkiller” I ever had was here at Soggy Dollar. I’ve since sipped Painkillers on at least four different islands.
Here’s more proof of my weakness for this laid-back beach bar: I named my last sailboat “Soggy Dollar.” Even so, the Soggy Dollar is but one in a veritable panoply of Caribbean watering holes. Do your homework and find a Caribbean watering hole with your name on it or check out one of these iconic spots.
Then prepare to party hearty.
Article written by Mark Stevens. Photography by Sharon Matthews-StevensFor twenty-five years the writing/photography team of Mark Stevens and Sharon Matthews-Stevens has provided editorial and photographic Caribbean content to a multitude of publications.
They’ve worked with newspapers from The Washington Post to The Globe and Mail, magazines from Travellife to Caribbean Business and Travel, and online publications from ATasteforTravel.ca to VacayNetwork.com. They have hiked the rainforests of St. Vincent in search of the Vinci parrot, sailed the waters off countless islands and traversed Jamaica in search of the world’s best jerk.
In addition to numerous other writing and photography awards, they have been recognized for their writing and photography fifteen times by the Caribbean Tourism Organization during their Canadian Media Awards events. Mark and Sharon are true Caribbean specialists.
Festivals, Carnivals and Events, Gastronomy, Insider Info
Warm Season’s Greetings!
As Canadians from coast to coast prepare for the upcoming holiday season, we asked some of our Dutch Caribbean islands to share some of their treasured holiday traditions (and their treats!)…and how some of these traditions came to be. Our thanks go to the tourism offices of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Aruba…as well as the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in Aruba.
On behalf of all the tourism offices, hotels and Caribbean Airlines that make up One Caribbean Canada…we extend our very best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful holiday season filled with peace and joy!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Caribbean countries of your choice in 2025! Happy New Year!
Tasty Christmas traditions on Bonaire
Bonaire’s ‘ham di pasku’ is a tradition at Christmas
Christmas is coming up fast, and where better to spend the holidays than the warm, breezy, and beautiful island of Bonaire.
Bonaire is known for diving and nature and has been recognized as a Culinary Capital. You may wonder how we bring on the Christmas cheer in Bonaire – what’s our go-to food, drink, and what things do we like to do?
What do we eat in Bonaire?
As soon as Regatta (an annual October event) is over, you will notice something familiar reappearing at all the breakfast hotspots for the locals. Namely, the “ham di pasku”, which is translated to Christmas ham. This ham is cooked in the oven with several ingredients, including star anise, cloves, and, of course, pineapple. In case you thought that pizza was the only dish that had this tropical fruit that represents hospitality on it!
This dish is served with a nice ham and eggs sandwich in the morning, next to a delicious dish for lunch, as a dessert or a snack after lunch, and included in all the Christmas dinner buffets. With time you can see it being incorporated in other local favorites, like the jonny cake.
The best thing about the “ham di pasku” however, is not that it brings the smell of Christmas to the entire house while it is in the oven or the fact that you have a go-to snack every time you open the fridge. What makes this dish stand out is that it brings people together during the holidays and helps create the best memories. I can still remember sneaking a whole plate of slices to my room to share with my cousins as a kid.
Packing a punch, enjoy Bonaire’s ‘Ponche di Crema’
What do we drink in Bonaire?
Enough about food. What do we drink, you may ask. It’s not rum. Well not just rum, since the Caribbean is known for its fun rum cocktails. Ponche di Crema is the staple drink that you get in every Christmas package, see Christmas deals for in every supermarket, and can even ask for during this festive time at almost every restaurant.
What is Ponche di Crema, you wonder. Imagine eggnog served from a nice glass bottle. It is officially classified as a liqueur, has a creamy consistency, and packs quite a punch if you don’t fill up on all the goodness at the Christmas buffet.
Some families drink it from a plastic cup, others have special glasses, some have mugs they use for the occasion, and then there are those who see this as an opportunity to use the Christmas-decorated shot glasses. Whichever way you drink it, you never drink it alone.
Preparing for the Christmas season in Bonaire
So, looking at activities done for Christmas, three stand out. First, people start painting their houses so that they can open up the new year with a nicely painted house welcoming all the good fortune that the new year has to offer.
Secondly, something that really helps the Christmas feeling come to life is decorations. So, in the spirit of Christmas, we spend money buying a tree that brings that real Christmas scent into the house and then buy a ton of decorations to make it pop. However, due to the overflow of sun and heat that we have here, the poor trees barely make it to New Year’s. But that does not stop us, we still enjoy them for the time that we can. At the end of the day, when they are dead and crisp, we put them in the yard and set them on fire to symbolize the end of the season.
Lastly, people come together (usually at the house with the best food) with the entire family to start preparations for the Christmas meals, which always lasts longer than two days, and investigations for the Christmas presents, because of course we waited until the last minute to buy gifts and can no longer order online and have to make do with what we have on the island.
To conclude, we do a lot of things, and every family puts its own spin on each dish, activity, and tradition. The main theme throughout remains the same: We all come together to eat, drink, and spend time together. We find small ways to let the people around us know that we care about them. That is the whole meaning of Christmas, after all. Ho, ho, ho!
History in St. Eustatius extends to a traditional Christmas beverage
Miss Blyden, a tasty ‘Statian’ treat at Christmas is made using the fruit of the Prickly Pear
Just becoming known in Canada is the lovely island destination of St. Eustatius (aka “Statia”), which is a Dutch island located in the northeastern Caribbean sea, northwest of St. Kitts. Known for its marine park and perfect for avid divers, Statia also has an extinct volcano called The Quill, offering hiking trails and extraordinary views. History buffs will enjoy the active dig sites and ruins that are found all over the island. Enjoy the local Statian Christmas beverage…and its history!
Miss Blyden is a drink traditionally made on the island of St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands, from the fruits of the cactus fig, locally called ‘prickly pear’.
Blyden or Blijden is a family name that has been present on Sint Eustatius since the 18th century.
The fruits of the opuntia cactus from which Miss Blyden is made is found locally on St. Eustatius.
The pulp of the prickly pear is mashed and gently boiled with sugar and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger and aniseed. When the whole fruit has been boiled down, the liquid is sieved and bottled. Rum is added. The traditional way of preparing it was to bury the pulp with the sugar and spices in demijohns in the ground. A natural fermentation process would then start.
Another recipe described how the spines were carefully removed from fruit of the Prickly Pear cactus. It was often the children on Statia whose job it was to gather the fruit of the Prickly Pear. Being careful to avoid the thorns, the fruit was then cut open to reveal the blood red seeds. The fruit pulp was then placed in a kettle with water, sugar (equal in volume to the fruit) and a stick of cinnamon. This was simmered slowly until the mixture thickened. The mixture was then cooled, strained and vanilla and rum were added to taste.
Originally the drink was associated with Christmas and the bottle was unearthed on December 24th.
Miss Blyden II (recipe courtesy of Vilma Rivers)
Ingredients:
- Red prickly pear fruits
- Aniseed
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Allspice
- Brown sugar
- Rum or wine
Pick the red fruits and scrape off the prickles. Cut open and take out the meat. Boil it with spices: aniseed, cinnamon stick, cloves ginger and allspice. Allow to boil until it thickens. Drain and sweeten with brown sugar. Let it cool and you can add rum or wine. It can last a long time in the refrigerator. The longer it stands, the thicker and stronger it becomes.
Red & White Parade in Statia
The annual Red & White Parade in Statia brings everyone out to enjoy the Festive Season
The vibrant spirit of St. Eustatius comes alive each year during the Statia Red & White Parade. Statians are good at putting on a show and the Red and White Parade is no exception. Starting at Buzzy Bees Day-Care Center, the cheerleaders, dancers, seniors and supporters, all dressed in red and white, set the island buzzing. The annual Christmas parade has been organized by “Lady of Culture” Marcella Marsdin for more than 18 years. Christmas melodies mixed with carnival beats echoes throughout streets as the procession makes its musical way to the Lion’s Den.
Initially a small event, the parade has grown exponentially over the years, now attracting participants and spectators from all walks of life. The colours red and white were chosen not only for their vibrant appeal but also to symbolize the upcoming Holiday season. At the end of the Parade in the Lion’s Den, participants and spectators alike are greeted by Food and Craft Stalls. Vendors offer delicious local cuisine and handcrafted items, allowing visitors to experience the flavours and artistry of Statia.
The Statia Red & White Parade has become more than just an event; it is a symbol of the island’s resilience, unity, and cultural richness. Each year, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community ties and the celebration of diverse cultural background during the Holiday Season.
The tradition of Sinterklaas and Kerstboomlandia in Aruba
Sinterklaas arrives by steamboat to Aruba; photo courtesy of The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel.
The story of the traditions of Sinterklaas and Kerstboomlandia come to us from The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in Aruba…
Sinterklaas
The very first ‘main event’ to open the holiday season in Aruba, is the official arrival of Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas is the Dutch version of Santa Claus, who is extremely popular with -young- children as he showers those who were nice with presents and candy.
He arrives by steamboat from ‘Spain’ in the second half of November, the weekend before Thanksgiving, and attracts enormous crowds of families with children to the main harbor of Oranjestad to welcome him to Aruba.
In the weeks leading up to Sinterklaas Eve on December 5, kids can place their shoe in front of the door or by a chimney in hopes that their empty shoe will be filled with typical candy like pepernoten and marzipan or small toys the next day after a visit by Sinterklaas and his helpers, called Pieten, or Pete’s.
Sinterklaas travels over the island on a white horse and he is formally dressed in red velvet bishop’s robe with a golden staff and carries a long white beard, while the Pieten are dressed in costumes with festive colors, wearing hats with feathers and showcase funny behavior. His helpers carry a big book with a list of names how’s been naughty or nice. On December 5 gifts miraculously appear in a bag at each house by -often- invisible Sinterklaas and his Pieten. Only a happy few get to meet Sinterklaas or have him over for a house visit. Meanwhile, adults have gift-exchange parties and games, often with satirical poems to accompany the gifts.
Kerstboomlandia
Sinterklaas hasn’t left the island yet, or a huge tent on Vondellaan erects with hundreds of Christmas trees, called Kerstboomlandia. Aruba is an island with a desert climate so over 90% of all Christmas trees used for the Holidays are imported, and therefore quite costly. A large amount of these fresh, imported trees are collected for sale in the Kerstlandia tent. Because of the warm temperatures in Aruba, the Christmas trees give of an extra strong ‘tree smell’, which makes a visit to Kerstboomlandia very worthwhile.
Most locals set a real tree for only two weeks as the high temperatures also cause for the needles of the tree to drop sooner than in colder climates; those who do not appreciate the fabulous smell of a real tree or can’t stand the mess of the needles settle for an artificial tree. As a side note: Boardwalk Boutique Hotel sets a real tree in the hotel lobby, and this is a very special tree with its own persona! Coni The Conifer lives in the Boardwalk gardens 11 months of the year and is relocated annually to the air conditioned lobby during the entire month of December.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa…and Season’s Greetings to one and all!
