Caribbean Festivals that need to be on your bucket list

Famed for its stunning islands and picture perfect holiday destinations, the Caribbean offers an abundance of things to see and do. While the white sandy beaches and glistening blue waters are enough to draw you to the Atlantic paradise, the island utopia regularly hosts a range of exciting events. 

In addition to epic adventure events, the Caribbean is home to a range of awesome music and cultural festivals. Check out Rad’s list of 5 epic Caribbean Festivals you don’t want to miss and add these events to your Caribbean bucket list! 

1. Vujaday Music Festival

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6 Unique Venues on the Exotic Island of Barbados

Taking festivals to a whole new tropical level is Vujaday Music Festival. The epic Caribbean adventure takes place at 6 unique venues across the exotic island of Barbados; boasting awesome music with picturesque scenery. 

The thoughtfully curated event features musical and cultural experiences, where you can explore lush landscapes, dance on palm-covered beaches and soak in crystal clear waters under the golden sun. Unlike deja vu, this event is something you’ve never seen or felt before. 

Where: Bridgetown, Barbados
When: 3-7 April 2019

2. Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest

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A Better Tomorrow Begins Today

Tmrw.Tday is Jamaica’s ultimate festi-vacation. Hosted on Jamaica’s famous 7-mile beach, Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest invites visitors to step outside the boundaries of everyday life and enjoy a week-long journey in paradise. 

Hosted by spoken word artists and conscious thought leaders, the festival offers a one of a kind experience with yoga and meditation, reggae beach parties, plant medicine ceremonies and more.  From dawn till dusk, you can create your own adventure as you unwind to the sounds of popular local and international artists and performers. 

Where: Negril, Jamaica
When: 30 April – 5 May 2019

3. Empire Music Festival

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Big Time Partying in Central America

Once a year, the Mayan Empire allows visitors to immerse themselves into an experience of community, positivism, culture magic and union for two consecutive days. Empire Music Festival is a unique, immersive multi-genre music festival in Villa Canales, Guatemala. 

The festival annually hosts over 60 local and international acts across electronic and urban genres and is the largest of its kind in the region. In addition to the music, the festival also features food trucks, art installations and a range of activities including zip-lining. 

Where: Villa Canales, Guatemala 
When: 3-4 May 2019

4. Reggae Sumfest

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Jamaica’s Premier Week Long Music Festival

Presented by Caribbean Airlines, Reggae Sumfest is Jamaica’s premier week-long festival; and one of the largest festivals in the Caribbean. The biggest summer reggae event is held at Jamaica’s Montego Bay each year and is down for its electrifying performances from local and International acts. 

Expanding to a 6-night line-up of events, Reggae Sumfest features an ‘All White Blitz Party’, a ‘Sound System Explosion’ and ‘Beach Party’, among the three main concerts. The festival regularly welcomes world-class performances from local and international reggae acts and is known for being one of the best reggae festivals in the world. 

Where: Montego Bay, Jamaica
When: 14-20 July 2019

5. Junkanoo Festival

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A Cultural Extravaganza 

Each year from Boxing Day, Junkanoo Festival takes place across The Bahamas, where locals welcome in the New Year. The celebration sees thousands of locals dancing in the streets to the tempo of Maranga drum beats. 

Groups of up to 1000 can be seen performing day and night as the Junkanoo Parade moves through the streets of Nassau. Unique and imaginative costumes can be found throughout the entire event; with cash prizes awarded for the best music, costume as well as overall group presentation. 

Where: Nassau, The Bahamas
When: 26 December 2019 – 1 January 2020