Search:

Would you like to contribute to this site? Caribbean Vacation Menu Submit an Article Submit a Tip Place your Ad Add URL Caribbean Vacation Questions? Contact Us  Caribbean Cruises   Caribbean Cruise Lines   Royal Caribbean Cruise   Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation   Caribbean Getaways   Caribbean Adventure Vacations   Caribbean Family Vacation   Caribbean Vacation Package   Best Caribbean Vacation Deals   Cheap Caribbean Vacations   Hotels in The Caribbean   Caribbean Resorts   Caribbean Vacation Rentals   Caribbean Vacation Homes   Caribbean Vacation Planner   Caribbean Vacation   Caribbean Flights   Caribbean Activities   Caribbean Beaches   Caribbean Islands   Bahamas Vacation   About the Bahamas   Jamaican Vacation   Places to Visit in Jamaica   Jamaican Culture   About Jamaica   Barbados Vacation   Aruba Vacation   About Aruba   Cayman Islands Vacation   About the Cayman Islands   Antigua Vacation   Anguilla Vacation   Virgin Islands Vacation   Caribbean Products   Life In the Caribbean   About the Caribbean

Return To Caribbean Vacation Article Archive   Search the Article Archives Holiday Celebrations in the Caribbean By Karen Joslin Like most people, you probably haven't heard of Peppercorn Day. A holiday in Bermuda, Peppercorn Day may be the oddest holiday in the Caribbean. Its history dates to 1797 when a group of Freemasons began renting the Old State House in St. George, for the sum of one peppercorn. In 1816, the holiday tradition began. Every year on the Wednesday closest to April 23, amidst pomp and circumstance, a horse-drawn carriage brings the governor to collect the peppercorn. While Peppercorn Day is exclusive to Bermuda, many Caribbean islands share similar holidays. For instance, while the specifics differ, many islands celebrate their heritage with national holidays. Jamaicas Maroon Day (January 6) pays tribute to the Maroons, freed slaves who fled to the South coast of Jamaica to start their lives anew. Their ancestors still live there and host the biggest celebration of the holiday, the Accompong Maroon Festival. Drawing visitors from all over the globe, this huge affair had an attendance of 16,000 people in 2005. The feast includes traditional dancing, singing, and ceremonies. In Dominica, late October ushers in Creole Week. Part of Creole Week is Heritage Day, held in a different village every year and paying homage to that villages unique aspects and important citizens. Island-wide, the biggest celebration of the week is Creole Day. Everyone dresses up in traditional Creole fashion and enjoys Creole style parades, music, and food. Then theres Indian Arrival Day (May 30) in Trinidad and Tobago. Although it was only made official in the 1990s, the islands sizable Indian population has celebrated the holiday for many years. It commemorates the arrival of indentured servants from India. Perhaps the largest number of holidays in the Caribbean are of religious origin. Days venerating patron saints can be found throughout the islands, but nowhere to the extent of Puerto Rico. Even Puerto Ricos cities have their own patron saints with attendant holidays. However, the most important is St. Johns Day, celebrating the islands patron saint and namesake of its capital city, San Juan. Beach parties end with people walking backward into the ocean and falling into the water to honor the tradition of baptism by St. John. Christmas in the Caribbean may be more enthusiastic than anywhere else in the world. The twelve days of Christmas are still celebrated on many islands, culminating in Epiphany on January 6. On Guadeloupe, Epiphany marks the beginning of Carnival season, which continues until Lent. The carnival reaches its peak on Shrove Tuesday, when businesses close for five days so all can participate in the parades. Many Caribbean countries celebrate their independence from conquering nations, such as Spain, the Netherlands, or France. Holidays honoring national heroes who fought for independence are common, like Errol Barrow Day in Barbados. But the islands also retain holidays from the conquerors, like Bastille Day, Queens Day, and the Prince of Wales Birthday. Emancipation and slavery abolition holidays are also national holidays on many islands. Even the weather has a place on the holiday calendar. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the fourth Monday in July is Hurricane Supplication Day. Marking the beginning of their hurricane season, its a low-key day for people to go to church to pray that hurricanes pass them by, or at least spare lives and buildings. If all goes well, Hurricane Thanksgiving Day follows on the third Monday of October. Holiday celebrations contribute greatly to the vibrant culture in the Caribbean. If youre planning a trip there, consider going when you can take part in one. Theres no better way to truly experience island culture. About the Author: Karen Joslin writes for Guadeloupe-Guide.info, Jamaica-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites. © 2006, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc. Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live. Caribbean Boat Charters

Get your Caribbean Vacation questions answered... Subscribe to our Caribbean Vacation Newsletter FREE! Your First Name: Your Email Address: Enter above security code

Home  |   Caribbean Vacation Blog  |   Ask the Caribbean Vacation Expert  |   Caribbean Vacation Archive Caribbean Vacation RSS Feeds  |   Advertise  |   Sitemap