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The month of August is the perfect time to visit the Caribbean as it is historically the slow period for visitor arrivals.
As a result, it is possible to gain significant bargains from accommodation providers.
Alternatively, one massive disadvantage of visiting the Caribbean in August is that the hurricane season peaks from the middle of the month.
Thus, temperatures tend to be at its highest so brace yourself for extremely hot weather and the possibility of a tropical storm during your vacation.
Despite this shortcoming, there are many events on the calendar on several of the islands that will help you gain an appreciation of the culture and way of life of the people.
In this article, we cover 10 Caribbean destinations and the events on these islands in August.
Read on for further details and explanations on what are the best Caribbean Islands to visit in August. This article was written by a Caribbean National who lived and traveled throughout the islands.
1. Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago is an English speaking dual nation in the Southern region of the Caribbean.
It is known as the home of the steel pan as well as legendary cricketer Brian Lara.
August 31st annually is a special day on the island’s calendar as Independence Day is celebrated.
This features parades through the streets concludes at the national stadium where there are tributes and cultural performances.
In the evening, the day usually ends with fireworks. Locals often organize limes and community events to mark the festivities.
The island became a Republic August 1st 1976 and has its own local President.
Trinidad’s sister island of Tobago also hosts its Heritage Festival from July and to the beginning of the month of August.
The Tobago Heritage Festival arranges various activities such as Ole Time Wedding where traditional elements of local weddings are used.
Fringe events as part of the Tobago Heritage Festival include queen shows, calypso competition, science completion for kids, salaka feast and many more.
2. Jamaica
August 1st is remembered across the Caribbean as Emancipation Day and different islands mark this day in numerous ways.
On August 1st, 1834, African slaves in the British colonies were freed. In Jamaica, the day is remembered annually with a festival called Emancifest.
This event is hosted in a small village located 10 miles North of Spanish Town in St Catherine called Sligoville.
The community of Sligoville is at the cornerstone of Emancipation in Jamaica as it is the first place on the island where slaves were freed.
To mark this historical milestone, the community has created Emancifest which has been celebrated for over 15 years.
There are various gospel and reggae concerts hosted as well as sporting events.
Additionally, on Emancipation Day you can visit the community where you will find locally made cuisine, craft and activities for the children.
3. St Lucia
Affectionately known for its famous twin peaks called the Pitons, St Lucia gives visitors an opportunity to experience its unique flower festival called La Rose in August.
The Rose Festival is one of the two flower shows celebrated on the island. The other is La Maguerite which is hosted during the month of October.
In St Lucia, the locals are divided based on flowers being Roses or Marguerites.
The day begins with church services around the island which is then followed with street procession with dancing and singing.
Locals usually dress in red to signify the color of the rose.
4. St Vincent
Located approximately 40 minutes flying time from St Lucia previously mentioned, is Caribbean island of St Vincent & the Grenadines.
If you are a food enthusiast, St Vincent is the ideal place to visit during the month of August as the destination celebrates Breadfruit Festival.
The Breadfruit tree is significant in the Caribbean but particularly in St Vincent as it was the first country where Capitan Blyth planted the tree in 1793.
A descendant of the inaugural tree still exists today at the Botanic Gardens which is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
The botanic garden was established in 1765.
During the month of August in various communities in the North Leeward region of the island, breadfruit dishes are prepared and sold.
These events usually are accompanied with many cultural performances and activities for children.
5. Grenada
Grenada presents an excellent opportunity to delve into the culture and history of the Caribbean in August.
The sister island of Grenada called Carriacou hosts its annual regatta festival which began in 1965.
This festival holds the title of being the longest of its kind in the entire Caribbean.
Carriacou which means “Isle of Reefs” has a population of about 8,000 persons and is the largest of the Grenadine chain of islands.
Getting to Carriacou is part of the overall adventure of visiting the island. Pronounced Karry-a-cou, the island has a number of fantastic dive and snorkel sites.
Boatbuilding is one of the main ways that individuals earn an income which shows remnants of the Scottish influence on the island
A major event of the festival is boat racing where the various vessels compete for prizes.
There are also activities for children, food stalls, greasy pole competition and donkey racing.
Many individuals from mainland Grenada and other neighboring Grenadine islands, visit the Carriacou for its Reggata Festival.
6. Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is the perfect destination for men who loves to cycle. Every August the island hosts Tour De La Guadeloupe.
The competition was initially founded in 1948 and later expanded in 1979 to include participants from other countries.
Originally called Karukera, Guadeloupe is an archipelago of which six main islands are inhabited.
These are Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Desirade, IIes des Saintes and IIles de la Petite Terre.
One advantage of visiting Guadeloupe is its closeness to neighboring Caribbean islands such as Martinique, Dominica and St Lucia.
Ferry services are available for easy transfer and hence this destination is exciting for budget travelers and island hoppers.
Additionally, ferry services are available to the island of Antigua when there are major cultural festivals and activities.
Therefore, if traveling the islands on a budget is a key motivation, Guadeloupe is an attractive option.
7. Aruba
If you want to stay completely out of the path of hurricanes, Aruba is the ideal Caribbean destination to consider.
Due to its location, the level of rainfall averages less than the Eastern Caribbean islands and hence sunny days are almost predictable during your stay. The destination is also outside of the hurricane belt.
Aruba is remarkable for amazing beaches, excellent nightlife, golfing, skydiving and beautiful natural scenery.
In the centre of the island, there is a unique peak that stands out called Mount Hooiberg.
Mount Hooiberg which means haystack in English is a peak which is 165 meters tall. It is a key attraction to visit for persons who enjoy nature and adventure.
On a clear day, the top of the mountain provide glorious views of the island and also neighboring Venezuela.
A staircase was initially built by Mr. Eduardo Tromp in 1951 to the top of the mountain. Renovations were later completed in 1991.
This is also a spot on the island that many persons use to propose to their significant other.
8. Curacao
Curacao is another destination to consider in August that is outside of the hurricane belt.
The island is 171 square miles with Mount Christoffel being the highest peak at an altitude of 1,220 feet.
One of the magnificent places to visit on the island for nature lovers is Shete Boka National Park.
This park was established in 1994 and plays a key role in protecting and conserving sea turtles as they lay their eggs in this area.
There are approximately 10 small bays which are often used by the turtles.
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the various trekking options in this area and also in nearby Christoffel National Park.
9. Bonaire
Bonaire is a perfect Caribbean destination if you are individuals who love snorkeling and diving in a relaxing environment
The island became a special municipality of the Netherlands on October 10th, 2010 and uses the US dollar as its official currency.
During the month of August, the Tourism Corporation hosts its annual Taste of Bonaire celebrations.
At this event, you will truly get an opportunity to experience the authentic Bonairian cuisine. These include dishes such as Repa, Goat Stew and Funchi.
The festivities also has cultural and musical performances as well as locally produced craft and souvenir items on sale.
Additionally, the destination is home to various superior restaurants such as Brass Boer, a local restaurant recognized by Caribbean Journal as the best restaurant in the Caribbean.
10. Belize
Despite its location in Central America, Belize is a Caribbean nation through its ties with Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM).
Additionally, Belize is part of the Commonwealth and as such the Head of State is King Charles II.
The Costa Maya Festival is a cultural extravaganza hosted in the town of San Pedro.
The festival’s main aim is to increase the awareness of the dances, music and food of the community.
The event culminates after three days with entertainment, pageant and cultural performances.
Belize has landmass of 8,867 square miles and is bordered by Mexico to its North and Guatemala to the West and South.
This provides excellent opportunities for individuals keen on visiting numerous countries as overland travel is possible via bus or taxi to the various land border crossings.
Final Thoughts
We trust that you found the information above helpful as you plan your Caribbean vacation during the month of August.
Despite the heat, it is still an extraordinary to enjoy the beauty, beaches and culture of the islands.
Need More Information?
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