Island Not To Miss Dates

The New Year in the Caribbean boasts sensual Latin nights each Tuesday in the Cayman Islands. Cultural explorations through stories and song, costumes and celebration can be found from country to country. Down in the islands, the climate is just right for sailing and swimming, running and recreating. For here, winter is only a word to mark the season and not the temperatures.

- Ava Rosales

JANUARY

The New Year opens with the vibrant and colorful Junkanoo cultural tradition. The Bahamas has everyone dancing in the streets amongst the sea of revelers, in this case, fully clad from head toe. Draped in feathers, ruffles and an array of brilliant colors, marchers beat steel pan and drums, blowing whistles and horns. Sound the joyful noise, because the Abacos kicks off the Junkanoo parade on January 1 and Nassau and Paradise Island keep the theme going on January 2.

Antigua’s celebration for the New Year is also bound to be big on festivities and cultural enlightenment, so don’t let the name fool you. “Minival” is underway January 1.

There’s just enough time to rest-up, and be on the course at Sandals Emerald Bay, since eyes around the world will be watching. The vistas are magnificent while teeing off and making rounds, as Professional Golfers Association tour brings its skilled players to the Great Exuma Challenge, January 5 – 11. greatexumaclassic.com

Jamaica too offers a festival intertwined with a bit of history that spans over two hundred years. From their settlement, it’s a tale of the heroic Maroons as told through song, dance, storytelling, food, and much more at the Accompong Maroon Festival, January 6. Antigua is back at their year round sport at sea.

Needless to say, the view will be spectacular from any one of the island’s “365” beaches during the Antigua Yacht Club – Round the Island Race, January 16. www.antiguayachtclub.com