TOP NOVEMBER CARIBBEAN EVENTS

Caribbean residents and visitors love to party, so you can be assured that no matter when you visit there will be some sort of festival, concert, regga, or another excuse to celebrate going on.  Here are some of the events held every November on islands across the Caribbean.

 

PIRATES WEEK, CAYMAN ISLANDS

Aaarrrghhh!  Novemberr be the time to strap on yer plastic sword and set your sails for the Cayman Islands.  Pirates Week--actually 11 days long--is fun for all ages, highlighted by fireworks, a pirate invasion of George Town by sea, a cardboard boat race,  street parties and parades, and more.  This is when the normally buttoned-down Caymans really let loose.  Best of all, most of the events are free.

 

TRANQUILLTY JAZZ FESTIVAL, ANGUILLA

 

Four-day festival attracts regional and international jazz musicians, who perform at venues in Sandy Ground as well as at the Cuisinart resort and the Temenos Golf Club, which now has a performance stage.

 

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL

 

First held in 2006, this event brings together writerss, editors and publicists from the Caribbeand and around the world for readings, workshops, and more.  Held at the Jolly Beach Resort.

 

ARUBA HEINEKEN CATAMARAN REGATTA

 

The Caribbean is home to many regattas: this one focuses on catamarans and draws racers from all over the world.  Held annually since 1980, the regatta continues over several weekends and is based at the Holiday Inn on Palm Beach, which is also where the races are held.

 

WORLD RUGBY CLASSIC, BERMUDA

 

Get down and dirty with the world's most brutal and some say would say, beautiful sport during the World Rugby Classic, held for the past two decades in Bermuda, with national pride on the line.  Some of the world's greatest international rugby players take part.  Held at Bermuda's National Sports Centre.

 

KINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK, JAMAICA

 

One week each November, many of Kingston's top restaurants offer deep discounts to introduce their offerings to tourists and locals alike.  Fine dining at a fraction of the usual cost lures many to the Jamaican capital.

 

McLEAN,S TOWN CONCH CRACKING FESTIVAL, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS

 

This wonderfully authentic and delicious local events celebrates the flavor of the conch.  Filled with great food, tradional games, and of course the contest to determine the title of "Best Conch Cracker."

 

PARADISE JAM, ST. THOMAS, U.S.V.I.

 

Each November, eight NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball teams meet in St. Thomas for the annual Paradise Jam, a week-long tournament at the University of the Virgin Islands that represents a competive early-season tuneup for some of the nation's top collegiate teams.

 

Contributing Author R. C.