CAR 3-5 26/1/10 12:00 Page 38
knowledge caribbean
ttglive.com
DOMINICA.
Event: Dive Fest
When: July 9 -18, 2010
Where: This takes place in villages along the
west coast including Portsmouth, Soufriere
and Castle Comfort.
Samantha Smith, marketing executive
at the Discover Dominica Authority, says this
event is her favourite on the island: “Dive
Fest is in its 17th year and attracts visitors
from the US, Europe and the Caribbean. It is
family-oriented with attractions to suit all ages.
You can choose from treasure hunts, under-
water photography contests, whale watching
excursions and a wine and cheese cruise.
“My favourite day is the canoe race. The
canoes are handmade by the Kalinago who
are indigenous to the island. It’s exciting
watching teams compete for the trophy,
while spectators can indulge in food, drinks
and music. Every year there are a few
surprises: last year ‘mermaids’ turned up
at the event which the children loved.”
■ dominica.dm
CUBA.
Event: Santiago de Cuba Carnaval
When: July 20-27, 2010 Clockwise from above: Sam Smith (middle) at Dive Fest, Dominica; Santiago de Cuba Carnival; and Elizabeth Fox at Jazz & Blues, Jamaica
Where: Santiago de Cuba
This carnival dates as far back as the 17th incredibly exciting – and fun events in the drum alongside steel bands. My favourite
century and is associated with a legendary evenings. Hi-Winds means partying from part of the event is the Fun Run. Most of the
rivalry between “comparsas” (a group of start to finish! island takes part, even the Catholic nuns!
musicians and dancers) and “congas” (a band “Visiting Aruba during Hi-Winds is a Everyone dresses up in green and at the end
of uniform dancers). fantastic time to experience the island when there’s music, breakfast and cold Guinness.”
“Everyone, young and old, can enjoy the it’s really buzzing. I can promise you one ■ visitmontserrat.com
performers colourful costumes and join in thing: once you have experienced the Aruba
the dancing,” says Rogelio Curbelo, director Hi-Winds, you will be hooked!” JAMAICA.
of the Cuba Tourist Board. “The revelry always ■ aruba-hiwinds.org Event: Jazz & Blues festival
goes on through to the early hours – the When: January 24-30, 2010
whole city takes to the streets and the event MONTSERRAT. Where: Rose Hall, Montego Bay
becomes one enormous party. Event: St Patrick’s Week “This is the highlight of the Caribbean music
“There’s also plenty of food and rum. When: March 14-21, 2010 calendar,” says Elizabeth Fox, regional
Visitors from all over the country are drawn Where: Festival Village director at the Jamaica Tourist Board.”
by the music and magic of Santiago to “Other than Christmas, St Patrick’s Week is This year’s performers include Jennifer
celebrate life the Cuban way. Santiago’s one of the busiest times of the year,” says Hudson, Billy Ocean, Maxi Priest and Joss
magic is in its people, its hospitality, music, Ishwar Persad, marketing manager at the Stone.
traditions and culture. There isn’t an easy Montserrat Tourist Board. “The music plays all night and there
way to explain this – it has to be lived.” “We’ve been celebrating the are lots of stalls selling crafts,
■ travel2cuba.co.uk event for almost three decades as it clothes, food and drink.
commemorates Montserrat’s local “It culminates in a three-night
ARUBA. culture and Irish heritage. musical extravaganza at Rose Hall. I
Event: Hi-Winds festival “Over the weekend the usually take a trip to Scotchies en route
When: June 30-July 5, 2010 celebrations centre around the to get my fix of jerk chicken and pork,
Where: Fisherman’s Hut Festival Village where there is lots served with hot buttered yam and
Aruba Hi-Winds festival started in 1987 and of traditional food and games like an ice-cold Red Stripe. It sets you up
has become the largest amateur windsurfing hand-made spinning tops, story- for a long night of dancing!”
event in the Caribbean. Charles Meijer is the telling and a kite flying competition. ■ visitjamaica.com
event co-ordinator and says: “There are Local culture and music are a big
competitions during the day – the wind- focus: masqueraders perform to ■ Have we missed any festivals out?
surfing and kite surfing competitions are the lively sounds of the fife Let us know at ttgletters@ttglive.com
38 29.01.2010
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64