How To Plan A Caribbean Culture Trip

Some say you can really get to know a place through its food. This is definitely the case when you embark on a culture trip. Take a Caribbean vacation to a destination like Jamaica, a highlight for many travelers visiting the region. Food here is influenced by African, European and indigenous traditions. You will quickly see why the iconic jerk chicken or pork, marinated in a rich blend of spices and cooked over open flames, is a local favorite. The delicious meat carries a special smoky flavor that you can re-create at home with the jerk seasonings you can find at any of the open-air markets around the island. For an authentic street-food experience, try festival (sweet dumplings) or bammy (a cassava flatbread). Don't forget to quench your thirst with refreshing coconut water straight from the shell, which you can buy from beachside vendors or at casual island restaurants.

When we talk about Caribbean food, we must include Grenada, known as the "Spice Isle." Here, the air is filled with the aromas of nutmeg, bay leaves and turmeric. Celebrating its spice heritage, Grenadian cuisine offers an array of flavors to discover. Try oil down, a hearty one-pot stew featuring salted meat, breadfruit, callaloo leaves and a medley of spices. Or indulge in nutmeg-infused chocolate cake, a dessert that makes use of the island's spice bounty. To complement your meal, try a glass of locally made nutmeg rum punch, a fruity and refreshing drink.

Barbados is also a culinary gem, thanks to a delightful fusion of flavors. Make sure to try the national dish, cou-cou, a cornmeal- and okra-based delicacy served with flying fish cooked in tomato sauce. Another island favorite is the macaroni pie, a comfort-food staple that combines macaroni, cheese, evaporated milk and seasoning. It's sure to be a favorite for anyone who loves mac and cheese back home. Be sure to also sample Barbadian fried plantains as a side or a snack and wash it all down with a glass of refreshing mauby, made from the bark of the eponymous tree (also known as soldierwood or mabi tree) and boiled with nutmeg, orange, cinnamon, cloves and sugar.

In Aruba, you'll find dishes that embody a fusion of African, Dutch, Indonesian, Spanish and Indian cultures. Order up some keshi yena, a classic made with the scooped-out rind of Edam cheese, filled with spiced meat, capers, pimento-stuffed olives and raisins — and don't be surprised if it's a highlight of your Caribbean vacation. Fresh seafood also takes center stage on this arid isle, so be sure to try grilled or fried red snapper or grouper sourced straight from the turquoise waters off the coast. Enjoy it with a refreshing glass of Balashi, the local beer, or Aruba Ariba, a cocktail made with rum, vodka, Coecoei liqueur and tropical fruit juices.

Caribbean Culture

From exhilarating beats to lively festivals, each port of call offers unique experiences that will leave you deeply inspired after your culture trip ends.

In Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae, you can learn more about the world-famous rhythms and soulful melodies that define the island's musical history. Discover the roots of this genre at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, where you can learn about the legendary musician's life. In Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, you can groove to the sounds of reggae, dancehall, and ska at clubs and oceanfront venues.

In the Dominican Republic, you can visit various music clubs and bars for live merengue performances, and immerse yourself in the joyful spirit of this destination.

If you travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you might be able to catch the Love City Live Music Festival, a celebration of music and the arts that attracts local and international artists. The festival showcases various genres, including reggae, soca and jazz, with performances at venues across St. John. On St. Thomas, Carnival offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary festivities each April or May. Its J'Ouvert celebration, where revelers dance through the streets covered in paint and powder, is one of the highlights of the event, along with the Carnival Queen Pageant, featuring dazzling costumes and captivating performances.

Another cherished event in the Caribbean art world is the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica, held every October. This three-day extravaganza celebrates the diverse influences of indigenous Dominican culture with a fusion of music genres such as soca, reggae, zouk and bouyon. For another unique cultural experience, venture into the heart of Dominica's rainforest and visit the Kalinago Barana Autê, a village offering fascinating insight into the island's indigenous Kalinago culture. You can experience dance, drama and songs performed daily and see examples of the canoes made from gommier trees.

As you discover and explore Caribbean culture, from music to dance and art, you'll find many locals are eager to share their personal stories. You can also book cooking classes, art workshops and dance lessons to immerse yourself in regional traditions. These satisfying Caribbean travel experiences might be the highlights of your vacation.