The Caribbean Islands consists of several islands amalgamated on one common platform. Each of these islands has their own set of rituals, customs and traditions and different festivals too. However New Year in Caribbean is a joyous period with all the island nations coming together to celebrate the coming year. No one is spared from the mystic festive spell that is prevalent everywhere in the Caribbean.

The celebrations of New Year in Caribbean almost begin where the celebrations of Christmas ends. In fact it is one big party extending from the Christmas Eve and continuing till the New Year Day!

Music, Dance, Parties, Champagne and special dinner are the prerequisites here. In fact everywhere in the Caribbean islands one can get to see people enjoying in all the restaurants, clubs and public places. New Year is a time to enjoy and Caribbeans do not wish to miss even a bit of it. Live bands and rock singers are to be found everywhere. The beaches are especially full of people enjoying and preparing to welcome the New Year and bid adieu to the old one.

The Hotels are generally full with visitors coming to catch a glimpse of the New Year in Caribbean. Shops are well decorated and lit, attracting the tourists and locals to come and feast on the various products and gifts, specially designed for New Year. Although no religious ceremonies are especially attributed with New Year in Caribbean, few very religious people nevertheless visit the churches to offer prayers.

However the Highlight of the New Year in Caribbean are the various Royal Cruises that invite people from all over the world to come and welcome the New Year here in the waters of the Caribbean islands. These cruises enable luxury, comfort and entertainment in the true Caribbean style. Designed to excel in all the amenities ad services provided, a holidayer with these cruises gets a first class insight into the travel, cuisine, culture and lifestyle of the destination. The Cruises here attract tourists who come to feast on the New Year in Caribbean.

 Courtesy of travel.mapsof world.com

 KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Since the Florida Keys were first settled in the 1820s, the island chain’s cuisine has been based around the bounty of the sea. Clawless Florida lobster, yellowtail snapper, sweet pink shrimp, grouper, stone crab claws and more — all harvested by Keys commercial fishermen — have become prized signature items on the region’s menus.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, the area’s indigenous seafood and the fishermen who harvest it are to be celebrated during the fifth annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival.

Presented by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association and the University of Florida/Monroe County Extension services, the festival is to take place at Key West’s Bayview Park, located at Truman Avenue and Eisenhower Drive. Admission is free.

As well as spotlighting local seafood, the mouthwatering feast is designed to generate interest in and awareness of the Keys’ commercial fishing industry.

Festival offerings include fresh local lobster, fish, stone crab claws, shrimp and deep-water golden crab — as well as savory conch chowder, conch fritters and conch salad. All dishes are to be prepared by fishermen and their families. Soft drinks, beer and wine also are to be available.

In addition, the festival features games and activities for children and musical entertainment by local musicians.

Vendors of nautical items, nonprofit organizations and creators of marine art and crafts are to round out the event’s attractions. Raffles are planned throughout the day.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association and scholarships for college-bound children of commercial fishermen.

For more information, call (305) 872-9026

Courtesy of Fla-Keys.com