Festivals

On one island, in the course of a single year, culture shines in the form of four primary festivals and events. Also, various villages know how to have fun all on their own on their specific day. But here we will mainly observe the island-wide fun that is sure to be had during the following months annually.

MARCH

To elaborate about this month is very necessary as this truly sensitive as well as rich subject matter could fill a library. It must be said that St. Patrick's Day is known all around by many different people, not just those from Ireland. However, Montserrat IS the OTHER Emerald Isle and it's also known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean".... for a good reason.

Both African and Irish heritage abound here and although one doesn't out-do the other, one can see the history and plainly justifiably disapprove of its early and oppressive beginnings, while clearly appreciating what Montserrat has also done with these unfair historically dealt cards. A full "Bitter Sweet" phrase never worked so well to describe both tragic loss and the new birth of something truly magical. Resilience, faith, steadiness, peace... in the midst of dire circumstances and the wicked display of the worst of humanity, has created a pressure so intense that a diamond was created in the most mysterious, perplexing, and somehow tranquil ways.

Forgiveness, mercy, grace bestowed upon the right hearts, silently fought the onslaught of diabolical strains of wickedness in a way that only souls of pure good could absorb, fully contain, and pay forward. We could dive into a deep well of knowledge to attempt to understand the complexities of Montserrat's early days, but for now we'll keep it light.

Hence an island, which is not made up of mere land... generated by volcanic mountains, flora, fauna, coastlines, and natural springs only. No, that is not what actually made this island or what Montserrat is actually all about. You can ask anyone... it's the PEOPLE that make Montserrat, the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, so special. Always the people.

English, African, Irish and a mix of all kinds of homeowners from around the globe participate every year on a green patch in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. A volcanic rock called Alliouagana, our Amerindian name. Ask your guide what this name means for a history lesson and look for this name again down below as it pertains to another festival we have!

Having established that these St. Patrick's celebrations are not just copies of any other observance of this day, it's time to tell you that it's not just one day anyways... it's ten. It may actually feel like the entire month! March is packed with fun for all kinds of different people. Bonus though if you're from Ireland.

JULY

While you could be gearing up for the sun, sand, water, and all the summer heat...there is something additional to enjoy if you're here on island.

The Calabash Festival is known for hiking, tours, fashion shows, and showing off locally made crafts and wares made from the calabash fruit. It's that time for people to bring out the whole crew for Family Fun Day and you will see how creative people can really be with one single item from this tree.

Adults are impressed, children are happy, and the food is tasty!

NOVEMBER

This one is for the writers, the readers, true artists and book appreciators of course! Alliouagana Festival Of The Word is our literary festival that draws in both people of brilliance and people with sheer curiosity.

Sometimes academic and sometimes entertaining, there's absolutely something that appeals to everyone during this time. This is normally hosted at the most appropriate venue for such a fitting category of events, our Montserrat Cultural Centre. The building itself has an entirely unique story of its birth, ask your guide for the history. From this location in Little Bay, many creators can bloom here as well as glean in writing technique, form, information, and even gain spiritual well being.

There is usually a mix of local, regional, and international writers representing... all on one beautiful Rock.

Partake to receive, or partner to give your OWN slice of brilliance. I recommend doing both.

DECEMBER

One of the most exhilarating times of year is December. No matter who you are, what background you're from, what faith you have... no matter if you like snow or you don't, December is special for many. Can it get any more festive? Yes. Yes it can and it does!

Montserrat happens to have its festival time in this month. Imagine hearing holiday music on our radio station early on in the month and then just when you expect to hear MORE holiday songs of imaginative proportions... you don't. Transition yourself to another world of Jump Ups, parades, queen shows, calypso competitions, and more. Not to say that Father Christmas doesn't show up on time, in fact he lives here part of the year when he's not at the North Pole!

"Festival" has long been used to describe and label Montserrat's long known holiday tradition. Some other islands may call it carnival, however I would like to believe that our festive time is unique and not like any other island. Full of traditions and family friendly events in our recent past, we are Montserrat, an experience unlike the rest. Come and immerse yourself in magic and atmosphere.

Choose your events carefully or you'll probably "drop sleep" from TOO much fun.