Celebrating Mardi Gras in the Caribbean

Now that the holidays are over, people worldwide are starting to plan fun-in-the-sun activities. Grab your dancing shoes while you're at it because it's time for Mardi Gras in the Caribbean. 

The hedonistic celebration begins on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, which is the day before lent begins. And on Fat Tuesday, you'll surely catch a celebration like no other. So if you want to be a part of an experience, you'll remember for a lifetime, check your calendar and start planning your trip to the Caribbean in February or March. Because Mardi Gras 2023 begins on Tuesday, February 21. 

What is Mardi Gras? 

Most historians believe the first Carnival started on the island of Trinidad when the French and Spanish Catholics taught the island about Fat Tuesday. Around the same time, Africans were celebrating their freedom from slavery, so it became more than just a celebration of Lent. It became part religion and part celebration of freedom. 

Activities in The Caribbean 

Here is what you can expect in these top islands if you choose to celebrate with the people of the Caribbean. 

Trinidad- Trinidad is the mother of all carnival celebrations, especially Madi Gras. In fact, they host the biggest party. Partygoers fill the streets in a parade for two days straight, wearing beautiful feathered costumes. Hotel rooms fill up a year in advance, so book as soon as possible if you're interested in visiting Trinidad. 

Dominican Republic- Celebrating in the Dominican Republic brings so much life and color. Enjoy parades every Sunday in February throughout the country. Partygoers wear colorful costumes with feathers and sparkles while also embracing African or Indigenous Taino roots by wearing traditional garb. 

Puerto Rico- Mardi Gras in Puerto Rico is known as Carnival Ponceno. The southern coast celebrates traditions that have their roots all the way back to Spain. Celebrations are throughout the week leading up to Ash Wednesday and end with a mock funeral followed by an all-night party. 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines- To begin with, this celebration was held days before Lent. Still, now it's celebrated in the summer months, starting in May. Here you'll find street festivals that include Calypso music, parades, and parties, all while listening to steel drum performances. 

Cayman Islands- The start of the Mardi Gras celebration in the Cayman Islands is one of the youngest carnival celebrations in the Caribbean. In conjunction, they typically celebrate the success of African history in May. The Mardi Gras traditions may just be beginning in Cayman, but it will surely become a carnival bigger than life. 

CITED: tripsavvy.com, www.travelchannel.com, www.islands.com