Holidays Around The World � Caribbean Islands Holidays

Saba Celebrates Its Heritage on Saba Day

Noel — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:00:19 +0000

Saba Day Date: December 6

Saba Day is a public holiday in Saba.

Saba is the smallest island of the Netherlands Antilles, a chain of islands in the Caribbean. Saba, pronounced “sayba”, is mainly a volcanic island with a single road, mountain forests, and world class diving and snorkeling spots. Saba is becoming a mecca for eco-tourism and is known as “The Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean. Saba Day is the island’s national holiday to celebrate Saba, the Saba Flag, the Saba Coat of Arms, and the Saban anthem.

History of Saba Day in Saba

The Netherland Antilles are: Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Saba. Each of these islands has their own local holiday for celebrations. Legends say that Christopher Columbus sighted Saba on his voyage across the Atlantic, but preferred not to set foot on the island due to the dangerous volcanic rock formations. Even so, the island was colonized in 1640 by the Dutch, who were sent from Sint Eustatius, a neighboring island. In 1664, Saba was invaded by buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan, who expelled the Dutch. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the island of Saba was a safe haven for pirates in the Caribbean. Finally the Netherlands took over the island again in 1816, and it has remained under Dutch power since. Even so, Saba enjoys great autonomy and has its own flag and anthem. Since 1976, that Sabans have celebrated their own Saba Day, as a demonstration of national pride.

Saba’s Saba Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Saba Day may as well be known as Saba weekend, since it is a weekend long festivities all over the island that include competitions, sports, barbecues, dance, and band contests. Also during the weekend there are official celebrations with openings and inaugurations by the local politicians, ecumenical religious celebrations, and award ceremonies to honor distinguished Sabans. The celebrations do not end without the community dancing the night away to the sound of music from local disk jockeys.

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Independence Day Festively Celebrated in Barbados

Noel — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:28 +0000

Independence Day: November 30

Independence Day is a national holiday in Barbados.

November 30 is celebrated in Barbados as Independence Day, and it is a national holiday. In 1966, Barbados achieved independence from the British, who had controlled Barbados as a colony since 1627.

History of Independence Day in Barbados

The first British to land in Barbados were sailors looking for water supplies for their voyage from South America to England in the year of 1625. Later, in 1627 and 1628, British settlers came to the island and took control. The natives were made slaves of the British who used them to plant sugar cane alongside slaves brought from Africa.

Several slave rebellions were planned during British rule, but none were successful. The number of African slaves that were brought from African nations increased as time passed. In the 18th century, most of the population of Barbados was black, a contrast from the English and Scots-Irish predominance from the previous century.

In 1834, slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire, Barbados included. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the descendants of slaves began fighting for equal rights within Barbados. The problem was exasperated as British farmers still maintained political control of the island.

In 1949, control was wrested away from the British, and Sir Grantley Adams, founder of the Barbados Labour Party, became the first Premier of Barbados in 1958. Barbados was then a self-governing colony of the British, and Adams started negotiations for the county’s independence. Independence was eventually granted on November 30, 1966. That same year, Barbados became part of the Commonwealth of Nations, and a year later, it was granted a seat at the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

Barbados’ Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Celebrations of Independence Day in Barbados start with an impressive parade and ceremony at Garrison Savannah, a horse racing venue near the capital city of Bridgetown. Throughout the whole month of November, there are sports, fairs, community events, and religious services dedicated to the theme of Independence nationwide. The Parliament Buildings are decorated with colors of blue and gold, and public buildings and businesses are adorned with the colors and flags of Barbados. Talented Barbadians join together on this day to display their talents in music, dance, drama, photography, and arts and crafts at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts. The exhibitions run throughout November, and a final gala is organized to present awards for outstanding Barbadian artists.

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Discovery of Puerto Rico Day Celebrated in Puerto Rico

Noel — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:00:35 +0000

Discovery of Puerto Rico Day: November 19

Discovery of Puerto Rico Day is a national holiday in Puerto Rico.

On November 19, Puerto Rico celebrates the day in history it was discovered by Columbus. Discovery of Puerto Rico Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Puerto Rico.

History of Discovery of Puerto Rico Day in Puerto Rico

On November 19, during his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus discovered an island populated by as many as 50,000 Taíno or Arawak Indians. In their enthusiasm to greet Columbus, the Taíno made a grand blunder when they showed him gold nuggets in the river and made an open offer that allowed him to take all he wanted. This led to the island being claimed by Spain. The newcomers initially christened the island “San Juan Bautista” for St. John the Baptist, and the town was named Puerto Rico for the obvious potential it offered. Thanks to the enthusiasm of ambitious Juan Ponce de León, a soldier in the army of Columbus, the city of Puerto Rico (“rich port”) quickly became Spain’s most important military outpost in the Caribbean. It was then the names were switched, and the island became Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico was controlled by Spain for more than 400 years, from 1493 until 1898. While its culture and history was shaped by many other cultures, it is the Spanish who dominated the rich history of this Caribbean island nation.

Puerto Rico’s Discovery of Puerto Rico Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The date on which Puerto Rico was discovered, November 19, is celebrated as a national holiday. Discovery of Purto Rico Day, or Día del Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico in Spanish, is celebrated with all schools and public offices being closed. A huge parade is organized annually on November 19 to celebrate the occasion.

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The Caribbean Islands Celebrate St. Eustacius Day

Noel — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:00:30 +0000

St. Eustacius Day Date: November 16

St. Eustacius Day is a public holiday in the Caribbean Islands.

St. Eustacius Day is a holiday that the Caribean Islands observe as part of their unforgotten history.

History of St. Eustacius Day

The Caribbean Islands is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and Northern America, north of South America, and east of Central America. It is composed of the Caribbean Sea, surrounding coasts, and more than 7,000 islands. The official languages spoken in the Caribbean Islands are Spanish, English, French, and Dutch. There are some groups that speak Creole and other dialect languages, but the official languages are dominant. The largest religious groups in the region are Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Obeah, Rastafari, Santeria, and Voodoo, showing the extreme diversity that exists within these islands.

The population of the Islands has grown since the beginning. From 1500-1800, the population was estimated to be approximately 750,000 people. As slaves arrived in 1800, the Islands reached approximately 2.2 million. By 2000, the total regional population was estimated at 37.5 million.

Some of the islands of the Caribbean are Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Granada, Haiti, and Saint Eustacius.

Saint Eustacius is one of the islands that fell under direct command of the Dutch West India Company (along with the islands of Saint Marten and Saba) in 1678 due to it being colinized by the chamber of Zeeland of the Dutch West India Company. A commander, who was also responsible for governing over the islands Saint Marten and Saba, was stationed at Saint Eustatius.

A good relationship began between the United States and Saint Eustacius when the United States started smuggling weapons into the Saint Eustacius dutch port which became one of the few ways for the rebellious Thirteen colonies to obtain weapons. The relationship between Saint Eustatius and the United States strengthened and resulted in the famous “flag incident” of November 16, 1776, when the Commander of Saint Eustatius decided to return the salute fire of the visiting American brigantine Andrew Doria. The United States gave the answering salute great publicity because the eleven gun salute was the first international acknowledgment of the independence of the United States. Therefore, people in the Caribbean Islands observe this day in history as a public holiday called St. Eustacuis Day.

Caribbean Islands’ St. Eustacius Day Public Traditions, Customs, and Activities

St. Eustacius Day is observed on November 16th of every year. As a public holiday, most public facilities and schools are closed as they observe this day of Caribbean Islands history.

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Remembrance Day Observed in Bermuda

Noel — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:00:30 +0000

Remembrance Day: November 11

Remembrance Day is a public holiday in Bermuda.

On Monday, November 11, 1918, at the hour of 11 a.m., World War I officially came to an end with the formalization of the armistice treaty between the Allies and Germany. All told, over 15 million people were killed in the brutal conflict leaving lasting impressions on much of the world’s population.

Due to the significance of the events of not only World War 1 but also other wars that have taken the lives of so many, Bermuda—among many other countries—celebrates Remembrance Day.

History of Bermuda Remembrance Day

Like the rest of the British Commonwealth, Bermuda celebrates Remembrance Day. After the events of World War I, King George V declared that the day be observed, though some suggest that King George possibly picked up the idea from Edward George Honey who suggested the remembrance to Wellesley Tudor Pole.

The armistice was signed in a railway carriage in Compiègne, France, with a set of terms laid out to Germany to terminate hostilities, remove troops, and surrender equipment.

William Edmund Smith is considered to be the first Bermudian soldier to perish during the war. He drowned when the ship he was on, the HMS Aboukir, was sunk on September 22, 1914. The last Bermudian to die from the effects of the war was Hayford Douglas Simmons on June 16, 1919.

Bermuda Remembrance Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

At the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps War Memorial in Victoria Park, Hamilton, a remembrance service is held to honor those Bermudians that fought during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. After a traditional two-minute silence at 11 a.m., a colorful and energetic parade kicks off from the memorial, winding its way through the streets of Hamilton. The town of St. George also hosts Remembrance Day events, holding a parade in the town square and a service at the HMS Jervis Bay memorial.

Poppies are an inseparable part of the customs of this holiday. The source of this custom resides in the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Canadian John McCrae and published on December 8, 1915. The poppy is mentioned in the poem, and it was chosen as an apt symbol for Remembrance Day due to the red color of the flower that bloomed across some of the bloodiest battlefields in Flanders. The poppies—real and artificial—are pinned on shirts, placed on graves, or formed into wreathes as a symbol of remembering the fallen.

On November 10, 2009, the Bermuda government announced the construction of a second war memorial to be built on the grounds of the Cabinet Office in Hamilton. The memorial will honor not only those Bermudians that served overseas, but also those that protected Bermuda’s shores. It’s not known if the memorial will be ready for 2010’s Remembrance Day.

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Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving Day

Noel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:52:10 +0000

Grenada Thanksgiving Day: October 25

Grenada Celebrates Thanksgiving Day as a National Holiday

In Grenada, Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the 1983 Caribbean and American military intervention in Grenada. A joint military force arrived in Grenada on Oct 25th to restore stability to the country following the deaths of then Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and some of his colleagues.

Grenada Thanksgiving Day History

Grenada attained the status of “Associated State of the United Kingdom” in 1967. In 1974, independence was granted with Sir Eric Matthew Gairy as the first Prime Minister of Grenada. Conflict between Eric Gairy’s government and some opposition parties gradually broke out including the New Jewel Movement (NJM). In 1976, Gairy’s party won elections but the opposition party did not acknowledge the outcome. The opposition accused Gairy of election fraud. Maurice Bishop and his New Jewel Movement launched a paramilitary attack on the government in 1979 resulting in its overthrow. Even though the constitution was suspended agrarian reforms started by the Gairy government were continued under the reign of Maurice Bishop.

Bernard Coard and his wife Phyllis with backing of the Grenadian Army, led a coup against the government of Maurice Bishop on October 19, 1983. Bishop was later placed under house arrest. These events were followed by street demonstrations in various locations in the island. Bishop had enjoyed strong support from the populace. Later he was freed by a large demonstration in the capital. Coard had Bishop captured and executed by soldiers along with his cabinet ministers. The regime of Coard then put the island under martial law.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan became worried because a communist leaning government overthrew a moderate one. Another concern was Cuban military personnel building a 10,000-foot airstrip on Grenada. Reagan was also worried about the security of the 800 American medical students enrolled at St. George’s School of Medicine in the island. Reagan and his advisers saw that rescuing the students was enough justification to invade the island.
In an operation codenamed Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada was invaded by the allied forces from the United States, the Regional Security System (RSS) and Jamaica on October 25.

Grenada Thanksgiving Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Thanksgiving Day in Grenada is commemorated by formal ceremonies although the event is largely not given much attention in the rural communities.

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Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Republic Day

Noel — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:15:47 +0000

Trinidad and Tobago Republic Day: September 24

Republic Day is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic on August 1, 1976. The event is celebrated as a public holiday on September 24 because this is the date when the first Parliament met under the new Republican Constitution. The date was removed from the official calendar of holidays from 1999 to 2001 to make way for the Spiritual Baptist (Shouter) Liberation Day which is celebrated on March 30. The Republic Day holiday was reinstated in 2002.

Trinidad and Tobago Republic Day History

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying northeast of the South American country of Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. It shares maritime boundaries with other nations including Barbados to the northeast, Guyana to the southeast, and Venezuela to the south and west. The country covers an area of 5,128 square kilometres (1,980 sq mi) and consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and numerous smaller landforms. Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the main islands; Tobago is much smaller, comprising about 6 percent of the total area and 4 percent of the entire population which is estimated at 1.3 million (2005). The nation lies outside the hurricane belt.

In November, 1969, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States , Sir Ellis Clarke said that “We as a nation, have reached an age of reason where we can take our time, sit calmly and deliberate what we want. The word goind around in the country was that they shoud abandon the Monarchy and go Republic. In June 1971, His Excellency, Sir Solomon Hochoy announced the decision to appoint a commission “to consider the constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, and matters related the reto and to make recommendations for revision of the said constitution and for matters of constitution reform in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Trinidad and Tobago Republic Day Customs and Activities

People of Trinidad and Tobago celebrate Republic Day with great patriotism in their hearts. Various ceremonies are held throught the island nation to mark this day with hosting of flag to start with. As the day is a national holiday, people celebrate this day by making delicious food and sharing it with family and relatives. Students take pride in performing various patriotic events in their schools just one day prior to the public holiday.

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Dominican Republic Honors Mercedes Day

Noel — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:14:21 +0000

Dominican Republic Mercedes Day: September 24

Mercedes Day is a Public Holiday in Dominican Republic.

Domican Republic celebrates the Mercedes Day in honor of Our Lady of Mercy, Patroness of Dominican Republic. The catholic holiday is celebrated with very religiously throught Dominican Republic and is a public holiday on 24th of September every year.

Dominican Republic Mercedes Day History

The History about this old catholic holiday in not very clear but according to believers, the only common ground that can be established is that it is a Roman Catholic festival; in both places there are references to Our Lady being the Patroness; and both places were at one stage in conflict with the Spanish Empire and fighting for independence.

Our Lady of Las Mercedes (or the Virgin of the Mercedes) is the Patroness of the Tucuman people, having been bestowed with this title in 1687.

At the Battle of Tucuman on 24th September 1812, Our Lady is credited with ensuring the victory of some 1,800 Argentine troops over the colonial Spanish forces, who numbered about 3,000. The Argentines, under the command of General Manuel Belgrano, placed their faith in Our Lady, and their success enabled the United Provinces of La Plata to press on with their claims, eventually successful, for independence.

Dominican Republic Mercedes Day Customs and Activities

A series of events are held to commemorate this event, which is a national holiday. Masses are celebrated in honor of the patron saint, followed by a procession through the Colonial Zone. The first apparition of the patron took place in 1495 when she spoke to a group of Spanish soldiers who were fighting the Taino Indians.Our Lady of Mercies then appeared on several more occasions at Santo Cerro, where a church has been built in her honor.

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St. Kitts and Nevis are celebrating Independence Day

Noel — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:44:20 +0000

St. Kitts and Nevis Independence Day: September 19

St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.

Every year on the 19th of September, the small country of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrate Independence Day to commemorate the day it gained its freedom from the British.

St. Kitts and Nevis Independence Day History

Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas landed on the islands in 1493, and he named it Saint Kitts in honor of his patron saint, Saint Christopher. It was in 1623 when Saint Kitts became the Britain’s first territory in the West Indies. While Nevis was later colonized in 1628.

The French also arrived to lay claim on Saint Kitts and they settled at the town of Basseterre. The French and the British had amicably shared Saint Kitts for a while. However, by the mid-17th century sporadic fighting between the two had ensued. In 1664, the French forced the British from Saint Kitts in 1664. In 1689, the French were also driven out by the British. For a brief period in the early years of the 18th century the French forces reclaimed the island and they did this again in 1782. However, in 1783, France finally gave up its claim on Saint Kitts to Great Britain by signing the Treaty of Paris.

Since then, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands were governed as a single colony by the British. The Leeward Islands Federation joined together against Saint Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla as a British dependency in 1871. In 1967, Saint Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla became an autonomous member of the West Indies Associated States. The British placed Anguilla under its direct rule in 1971. In 1980, Anguilla was officially removed from the dependency.

On the 19th of September 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis jointly attained full independence.

St. Kitts and Nevis Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

During the Independence Day celebrations all the people of St. Kitts and Nevis eagerly await the Prime Ministers’ Independence Day speech. Merrymakers can expect a festive atmosphere as a number of cultural programs that include dance and live music are prepared for this day.

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British Virgin Islands Celebrates Territory Day

Noel — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:08:19 +0000

Territory Day Date: September 1

Territory Day is a public holiday in the British Virgin Islands.

In British Virgin Islands, Territory Day is observed on September 1st of every year. This holiday was decreed into 1956 when the federation of the Leeward Islands was abolished. The British Virgin Islands consists of the islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. Until 1978, this holiday was called “Colony Day”. This day is a public holiday of British Virgin Islands.

History of British Virgin Islands Territory Day

On his second voyage to the Americas in 1943, Christopher Columbus sighted this group of islands. Columbus named them after Saint Ursula and her 11,000 Virgins, shortened to Las Vírgenes (The Virgins).

Although the Spanish Empire claimed the islands by discovery, the empire never settled in them. The following years saw the English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Danish all elbowing each other for control of the region. By 1648, the Dutch established a permanent settlement. In 1672, The English captured Tortola from the Dutch in 1672. From 1672 to 1733, the Danish were able to gain control of the nearby islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Then the islands St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix were later purchased by the United States from Denmark for US$25 million, thus renaming them the United States Virgin Islands.

From 1872 until 1956, the islands were part of the Colony of the Leeward Islands. Colony status was achieved for the Islands in 1960 and the Islands were autonomous by 1967. From the 1960s onwards, the islands have slowly switched from an agriculture-based economy towards tourism and financial services. The British Virgin Island has transformed into one of the wealthiest areas in the Caribbean.

British Virgin Islands Territory Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The celebration of Territory Day provides an opportunity for Virgin Islanders to develop a sense of national pride. The ceremony signaling the start of the holiday begins with the inspection of the guards by the Governor and the Chief Minister. There are also musical selections by various schools. The Deputy Governor will oversee the entire proceedings. The public is encouraged by the Ministry and Department of Education and Culture, to come out and celebrate this joyous occasion.

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