Spring festivals in the Caribbean and Latin America

Semana Santa AntiguaSpring is just around the corner, as are a handful of festivals in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. If you’re looking for a break, but want to avoid typical Spring Break destinations, here are the spots to hit in late March through early May:

The BVI Spring Regatta lures sailors and landlubbers to the British Virgin Islands to watch sailing vessels tear across the warm Caribbean waters. This year’s regatta, held March 29 to April 4, adds the BVI Windsurfing Championship to the mix. Every night, the Regatta Village features beach parties and cookouts, calypso bands and limbo jump-ups.

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is celebrated in many Latin American countries in the week leading up to Easter (April 4). Notable celebrations are in Antigua, Guatemala; Popayán, Colombia; and Ayacucho, Peru.

The Feria Nacional de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico, is the country’s oldest fair. Dating from 1604, it runs for three solid weeks—from April 17 to May 9, 2010—and is focused around the town’s San Marcos Gardens. See some of the best bullfights in Mexico, find a souvenir from the roaming vendors, get serenaded by a mariachi band, or sample all the gastronomic delights. Be sure to hang in for the evening firework displays.

The Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) celebration in Puebla, Mexico, honors the Mexican victory over the French army in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. It’s not the country’s Independence Day (that’s Sept. 16), but Puebla’s celebration includes a gigantic parade, mariachi bands as well as more food and drink stands than you can possibly visit. Don’t miss the parade; with the Mexican Army, cultural icons and music bands, it’s the most important part of the day’s festivities.

Posted by | Comments (3)  | March 12, 2010
Category: Central America, Languages and Culture, South America


3 Responses to “Spring festivals in the Caribbean and Latin America”

  1. Andi Says:

    I was in Antigua for Semana Santa several years ago and it was purely magical. Felt like I had stepped back in time. I highly recommend it!

  2. Susan Says:

    What a journey for anyone to take,and as special as Mexico I could not think of anything better. The entire area is alive for those people with an open heart and mind, and the influence absorbed will last a lifetime, light and love always.

  3. Stacey Says:

    I had a great time while in Mexico and witnessed that event too but had to say that I was with a friend of mine that live in the city since a while and I think you get a different feeling of Mexico when you are with a “local” that show you around.