Christmas in the Caribbean
Christmas in the Caribbean is a unique holiday experience, with celebrations ranging from heartfelt religious services to festive parties that last deep into the night. To help you get the most out of your island vacation this winter, we’ve gathered up some of our favorite Christmas traditions from around the region.
With hundreds of gorgeous islands to choose from, you can experience the warm and welcoming culture whilst getting away from the colder, grayer weather. At Christmas time, you will find something unique on every island as well as many common elements. The major common element is that most islanders will prioritize gathering with friends and family over a large meal and celebrating their faith by attending church services together. In addition, below is a sampling of the many different ways those in the Caribbean celebrate Christmas.
Anguilla. One of the most anticipated annual Christmas events in Anguilla is the Christmas Tree Lighting in The Valley. Also, not to be missed are the elaborate Christmas light displays on the private houses as well as all the lighted mahogany trees along Mahogany Avenue. Throughout the entire island, there will be a vast number of festivities and parties being held starting from the second week in December until, and even after, New Year’s Day.
Barbados. Leading up to Christmas Day, Bridgetown will be fully decorated with lighted Christmas trees and lights on all the buildings. In addition, take a drive around the island to view the many decorated roundabouts (traffic circles) throughout the island. On Christmas day, you will find almost every church open for Christmas service at 5 am and the majority of locals in attendance in their finest outfits. After church, it’s traditional to head over to Queen’s Park to hear the Police band perform in concert at 7 am at the bandstand in the park. After which, locals will take a leisurely stroll through the park to show off their Christmas outfits, followed by a traditional Christmas lunch at home with friends and family. Christmas is also a time when families enjoy a picnic lunch while watching horse racing at the Garrison Savannah. Finally, after partying the night away on “Old Years Night”, join the natives on the beach early on January 1st to take in the first sunrise of the new year.
Grenada. The island nation of Grenada is comprised of three islands, Grenada the mainland, and two small islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. At Christmas time, throughout all the islands, locals and tourists can enjoy free open-air concerts featuring Parang Bands (calypso-like music using drums, maracas, mandolins, guitars, tambourines, and more). After the daytime celebrations, the parang bands go house to house, playing carols and entertaining neighbors well into the night. Every year, the Carriacou Parang Festival takes place the weekend before Christmas, and contests are held to select the best band of the season.
Guadalupe. Guadalupe is an overseas territory of France. It consists of six inhabited islands—Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and the two inhabited Îles des Saintes and many unihabitated isles. Throughout the islands, locals will celebrate Chanté Nwèl, part of Guadeloupe Archipelago’s culture since the 17th century, where people gather together to sing and share a meal. In addition, Nwèl Kakado, a traditional Christmas fair held during the month of December, takes place in every township. Christmas is also the best time to buy ready-made traditional foods and drinks at any of the Christmas markets in Guadeloupe. Chanté Nwèl starts the first week of Advent and lasts until the 25th of December. While most Chanté Nwèl gatherings are free to join, a few events sell tickets and have professional musicians play on stage.
Jamaica. Besides its beautiful beaches, Jamaica is home to over 100 rivers. Kayaking or taking a boat ride down the White River in Ocho Rios will make your Christmas a special time to remember. In addition, taking in the sights and sounds of the local market on Christmas Eve in any part of Jamaica is an ongoing tradition. Leading up the Christmas Eve, everyone, young and old, can be found walking the plazas at the Grand Market in Kingston. All major towns across the island have their variation of the ‘Grand Market’ on Christmas Eve, where shoppers can find every item on their shopping list.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines. If you are inclined to, celebrate the Nine Mornings Festivals with the locals. The origins of the festival date back to the early 1900s when a Vincentian parishioner of the Dominican Order of the Church introduced the idea of celebrating the Catholic novena during the early morning hours in the nine days leading up to Christmas. On each of the nine mornings leading up to Christmas (16 to 24 December), locals and visitors alike set their alarm clocks early to join in with the festival, which starts at 4 am. Following the service, churchgoers gather in the street to socialize and attend street concerts, story-telling, and other events.
Trinidad & Tobago. Similar to Grenada, in Trinidad, many villages will showcase their folk music, also known as Parang. Parang in Trinidad is an upbeat Venezuela-Trinidad hybrid music traditionally sung in Spanish. However, there is now also ‘Soca Parang’ where songs are sung in English. Parang has come to represent Christmastime in Trinidad. Each Parang band will put on a local show where islanders and tourists alike can enjoy the music made with guitars and cuatros (a small four-stringed guitar), violins, maracas (called chac-chacs) and toc-tocs (made from two wooden blocks). Some Parang groups still go from house to house serenading the locals with traditional parang songs. In addition to the music, expect to see children and adults engaging in kite flying during this time.
In addition to enjoying all the festive activities, be sure to get your fill of some of the local traditional Christmas foods. Besides the traditional ham, stew peas and rice, you’ll be sure to find these traditional foods on almost every island.
Black Cake – a favorite in Barbados and Jamaica, is made with dried fruits that have sat in rum, wine, or other spirits for many weeks. This traditional rum cake is overly sweet but should be eaten with caution for those easily affected by alcohol. Nevertheless, it is served to children to no ill effect. This is a favorite among many of the islands.
Ponche-de-crème – (a version of eggnog) and Pastelles are two of Trinidad’s seasonal delights. Pastelles are a steamed cornmeal pie wrapped in banana leaves and filled with stewed meat, olives, and raisins. Both items are staples in Puerto Rico as well.
Sorrel – a dark red and sweet spiced non-alcoholic drink made by steeping hibiscus flowers, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, allspice, and cloves.
Mauby – a refreshing drink made with tree bark, a cross between root beer and iced tea, but with a pleasingly bitter aftertaste. The Mauby bark is boiled with cinnamon, orange peel, nutmeg, and cloves, and sweetened to taste.
Ginger Beer – A staple in Jamaica, this homemade beverage is spicy and refreshing. It is made from fresh ginger, honey, lemon, cream of tartar, yeast, and sugar. At Christmas, add rum for the adults.
Christmas Rum Punch – made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine. This punch is a favorite in Barbados and many of the islands and is enjoyed year-round, but is especially festive at Christmas.
Ti-punch – translated as a small punch in Guadeloupe – is a combination of white rum, lime, and cane sugar usually served in a shot glass.
With so much to do, see, taste, and drink in the islands, make a plan to visit your favorite island or visit a new Caribbean Island for Christmas. As in the rest of the world, Christmas is the time of year when goodwill and best wishes are extended throughout all the islands. Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy the season in the warmth of the people and customs of the Caribbean.
Wishing all a meaningful Christmas filled with peace, joy, and love, as well as a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
More on the Caribbean: Top Black-Owned Resorts in the Caribbean