June is a relatively quiet month in the Caribbean, but you'll still find plenty of opportunities to experience island culture and festivals if you visit this month. Here are my picks for the top Caribbean events during the month of June.
Barbados Crop Over Festival
Courtesy of the Barbados Tourism Authority
The annual Barbados Crop Over festival runs from May to August and is the highlight of the island's annual social calendar. The festival has its roots in celebrations of sugar-cane harvests dating back to the 18th century, and today includes calypso concerts, carnival parades, marketplaces selling goods and food, and the crowning of a festival king and queen.
St. Kitts Music Festival
Three-day annual music festival is held at the Warner Park Stadium in St. Kitts' capital of Basseterre and attracts diverse international and regional artists, from singers like Billy Ocean and John Legend to hip-hop stars like Ja Rule and Caribbean calypso and soca performers. A series of organized "fringe" activities, from beach parties to scenic railway rides, adds to the fun.Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival is known as the best mainstream jazz festival not just in Jamaica but the entire Caribbean. In addition to the main festival in Ocho Rios there are a number of free jazz concerts across the island during "Jazz Week" in June.Vincy Mas in St. Vincent & The Grenadines
The annual Vincy Mas -- the Carnival of St. Vincent in the Grenadines -- livens up the off-season with a beauty pageant, Mardi Gras parades, soca and calypso music and competitions spread over two weeks.Aruba Hi-Winds Windsurfing Championships
© Aruba Tourism Authority
Windsurfers and kiteboarders from around the world flock to Aruba in June for one of the sports' premiere events, the annual Aruba Hi-winds competition. Taking advantage of Aruba's summer trade winds, the amateur competition is held at the Fishermans' Huts.
