Religious Festivals of the Caribbean
There are many festivals which take place in the Caribbean. There are secular festivals and also religious festivals.
Religious Festivals
Christmas – This is celebrated by Christians and commemorates the birth of Jesus. This celebration takes place in December. Most persons in the caribbean prepare a special drink called sorrel and there is a lot of fun and the exchange of gifts among family and friends.
Easter – Another festival celebrated by Christians to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. This comes at the end of Lent which is a period of 40 days to remember the forty days and forty nights that Jesus fasted in the wilderness.
Muslims celebrate Hosay – in memory of the grandson “Hussein” of the prophet Mohammed who was assassinated . There is dancing in the streets and the beating of drums.
Id-ul-Fitr– also celebrated by Muslims takes place in the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast and practise self denial.
The Hindus celebrate Divali also called the Festival of lights. They decorate their windows and doorways with lights and candles.
The Jews celebrate the Passover – the most important of all Jewish celebrations, which marks the freeing of Jewish ancestors from slavery.
Yom Kippur is another celebration by the Jews. A spiritual reflection asking God for forgiveness.
The Rastafarians celebrate Nyabinghi – which is in memory of the birthdate of His Emperor Haile Selassie.