Holidays in the Caribbean

Chances are, you haven't heard of Peppercorn Day. Aheroes who fought for independence are common, like
holiday in Bermuda, Peppercorn Day may be theErrol Barrow Day in Barbados. But the islands also
oddest holiday in the Caribbean. Its history dates toretain holidays from the conquerors, like Bastille Day,
1797 when a group of Freemasons began renting theQueen's Day, and the Prince of Wales' Birthday.
Old State House in St. George, for the sum of oneEmancipation and slavery abolition holidays are also
peppercorn. In 1816, the holiday tradition began. Everynational holidays on many islands.
year on the Wednesday closest to April 23, amidstPerhaps the largest number of holidays in the
pomp and circumstance, a horse-drawn carriageCaribbean are of religious origin. Days venerating
brings the governor to collect the peppercorn.patron saints can be found throughout the islands, but
While Peppercorn Day is exclusive to Bermuda, manynowhere to the extent of Puerto Rico. Even Puerto
Caribbean islands share similar holidays. For instance,Rico's cities have their own patron saints with
while the specifics differ, many islands celebrate theirattendant holidays. However, the most important is St.
heritage with national holidays. In Dominica, late OctoberJohn's Day, celebrating the island's patron saint and
ushers in Creole Week. Part of Creole Week isnamesake of its capital city, San Juan. Beach parties
Heritage Day, held in a different village every year andend with people walking backward into the ocean and
paying homage to that village's unique aspects andfalling into the water to honor the tradition of baptism
important citizens. Island-wide, the biggest celebrationby St. John.
of the week is Creole Day. Everyone dresses up inChristmas in the Caribbean may be more enthusiastic
traditional Creole fashion and enjoys Creole stylethan anywhere else in the world. The twelve days of
parades, music, and food.Christmas are still celebrated on many islands,
Similarly, Jamaica's Maroon Day (January 6) paysculminating in Epiphany on January 6. On Guadeloupe,
tribute to the Maroons, freed slaves who fled to theEpiphany marks the beginning of Carnival season,
South coast of Jamaica to start their lives anew. Theirwhich continues until Lent. The carnival reaches its
ancestors still live there and host the biggestpeak on Shrove Tuesday, when businesses close for
celebration of the holiday, the Accompong Maroonfive days so all can participate in the parades.
Festival. Drawing visitors from all over the globe, thisEven the weather has a place on the holiday calendar.
huge affair had an attendance of 16,000 people inIn the U.S. Virgin Islands, the fourth Monday in July is
2005. The feast includes traditional dancing, singing, andHurricane Supplication Day. Marking the beginning of
ceremonies.their hurricane season, it's a low-key day for people to
Then there's Indian Arrival Day (May 30) in Trinidadgo to church to pray that hurricanes pass them by, or
and Tobago. Although it was only made official in theat least spare lives and buildings. If all goes well,
1990s, the island's sizable Indian population hasHurricane Thanksgiving Day follows on the third
celebrated the holiday for many years. ItMonday of October.
commemorates the arrival of indentured servantsHoliday celebrations contribute greatly to the vibrant
from India.culture in the Caribbean. If you're planning a trip there,
Many Caribbean countries celebrate theirconsider going when you can take part in one. There's
independence from conquering nations, such as Spain,no better way to truly experience island culture.
the Netherlands, or France. Holidays honoring national