
There are thousands of events being held at different locations throughout the Caribbean; this makes it a bit overwhelming when you are trying to determine what event to attend. We all want to get value for our money but sometimes this can be rather difficult since there is always a party when you are living in the Caribbean There are a couple events that always deliver what it promises and has a reputation to be consistent with providing quality entertainment that leave its patrons anticipating the arrival of the next.
Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival
2012 marks the 16th staging of the annual Jazz and Blues Festival and “OMG” what a sweet sixteen party it shall be. This is one of Jamaica’s biggest, and mostly anticipated annual events, where each year the organizers always try to out-do the last by bringing sensational superstars that we believed only existed on our television screen. This year’s celebration will be hosted at the Trelawney Multi-Purpose Stadium from January 26-28 giving us three wonderful nights of entertainment from some of the world’s greatest entertainers. This year’s line-up is nothing short of fantastic with a star-studded line-up ranging from R&B, Reggae, Jazz, Soul to Calypso. This event is known have some of the biggest names in the music business and this year is no different with a line-up of artistes such as Celine Dion, The Temptations, Cee Lo Green, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, Shaggy and Destra Garcia to name a few of these world famous names.
The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is said to have a reputation to attract patrons that are considered to be among the elite or just individuals that possess the desire to partake in the finer things of life. This is no small “island show” the promoters of this event think big, plan big and promises a big show and they have never fallen short of delivering just that. This eclectic combination of musical fusion is the perfect way to just have fun with and touch of class.

Trinidad Carnival
Can you say HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is said to be one of the greatest shows on earth and is normally celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday each year. These exciting two public holidays allows you to freely revel in the colorful festivities of the flesh, partake in all dance and alcohol. The 2012 Carnival is schedule for February 20 and 21 in the twin cities and is said to be one of the most anticipated event in the entire Caribbean.
This year’s celebration promises to be just as exciting as all the previous celebrations with much emphasis being placed on traditional Trinidadian costumes that depicts the vibrant cultural heritage of this country, rather than previous years where there were a plethora of Brazilian inspired designs were displayed. It attracts patrons from other Caribbean islands as well as from different countries around the globe and people try to get in shape for the non-stop dancing and drinking, this is one of the things you will have to experience to fully understand. It is simply euphoric and will leave you with nothing to say but whoa.

Portland Jerk Festival
This is the birth place of the world famous Boston Jerk which is said to be one of the world’s most favorite style of cooking, it is so loved until you are able to find many Jerk seasoning and sauces carrying the name Boston Jerk and if that is not enough there are several restaurants in the Caribbean and the United States bearing the name, even they are no way authentic, people only need to see the words “Boston Jerk” for them to start salivating.
This festival comes around once every year and is normally celebrated on the first weekend of July. This is normally a one spicy day event of Jerk Fish, Chicken, Pork, Lobster… Deer… and Vegetables? Yes I said vegetables. It is said that in Portland they will jerk anything they can get their hands and if the Jerk Vegetables wasn’t surprising enough they also introduced the Jerk Ice Cream in 2011…. Wonder what they will come with in 2012?
The Portland Jerk Festival started out small in the little picturesque town of Boston in Portland in Jamaica but due to the overwhelming success each year this event had to be moved to the folly oval in Port Antonio Portland. If the taste of spicy food and coconut water along with the resonating sounds of Jamaican cultural entertainment does nothing for you then the scenery is to die for. Portland is called the Jewel of Jamaica and this town is nothing short of a gem. There is something for everyone at this event, music and rides for the children and at night the adults come out and play at the concert which is a mixture of cultural reggae, dancehall and standup comedy showcasing some of the greatest acts in Jamaican music and even though the 2012 dates have not been confirmed as yet, patrons have been anxiously awaiting its arrival therefore it is a Heart Full, and Belly Full event.

St Lucia Jazz Festival.
This brings a combination of both Saint Lucian and International Musicians featuring the tasteful genre of Jazz, Calypso R&B and Soca to the island shores. It is one of the most anticipated events in the small island of St Lucia but has been making great waves around the world with its superlative shows each year. This event was came into existence in 1992 in to boost tourism in the island however due to its success St.Lucia Jazz Fest has become one of the must see events in the Caribbean. It is clean, classy, and artistic and is said to boost your spirit just from being there.
It is a relatively elitist production but have been making great strides in the world of entertainment, featuring artistes such as John Legend, Trey Songz, Morgan Heritage, Steel Pulse, Corinne Bailey Rae just to name a few of these world renowned names that have stepped onto the St Lucian stage and providing unforgettable performances .The 2012 St Lucia Jazz Festival is scheduled May 15-13 and it promises to deliver quality entertainment to its patrons. All in all this event is a must attend.

Reggae Sumfest.
“The Greatest Reggae Show on Earth”. Therefore if you know anything about reggae you will know that reggae sumfest is the place to be every year. If you are traveling for this event please book your ticket and accommodation at least a month in advance, around since this time of year you are unable to find hotels to stay in Montego Bay and before you know it the tickets will be sold out
The Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest has a strong reputation to bring some of the biggest, hippest names in Music to the Caribbean such as Nicki Minaj, Shaggy, Ravon, Beyonce, Beenie Man and Ashanti just to name a few and it is always an honor for these performers.
This is the largest musical festival in Jamaica since it has started in 2003 and attracts a diverse audience of young and the young at heart where you will receive classy and urban music blended in tropical paradise. Patrons travel from across the globe this event and are strongly supported by the Japanese and Italian tourists.
The 2012 staging of The Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is scheduled for July 15-21. It’s definitely one of the top five must attend events. Who can say no to Red Stripe Beer and the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth?


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