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, regatta, or another excuse to celebrate going on. Here's my picks for the best events held every November on islands across the Caribbean.
Pirates Week, Cayman Islands
© Don McDougall
Aaarrrghhh! November 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.
Tranquility 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 writers, editors and publicists from the Caribbean 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
© Carole Havercroft
Get down and dirty with the world's most brutal (and some 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.
