Saba’s most popular festival is undoubtedly the Summer Festival, which is otherwise known as Carnival. The entire island becomes a swarming parade of color, dance, and excitement at this time. Like other parts of the Caribbean during Carnival, Saba becomes extremely crowded during this event. Another popular Saba holiday is Saba Days, which sees sporting competitions, dance performances, and barbecue feasts.
Easter
Easter is celebrated in March, and due to the high number of people that flock here during this time, reservations are recommended. Tourists should head to the local church on Saba, where celebrations are held for several days.
Coronation Day
On April 30, Saba celebrates the coronation and birthday of the Dutch royal Queen Beatrix. The day is a national holiday, so visitors should expect local banks and government offices to be closed. There is always a welcoming celebration in The Bottom and Windwardside as Sabans hold the Dutch royal family in high regard.
Carnival
The most visited and liveliest festival on the island is Carnival. This event is also referred to as the Summer Festival and lures the largest crowds of any event every year. Book hotels in advance as accommodations tend to be overflowing when Carnival comes to the island. Parades, costumes, music, and the rhythms of steel drums dominate the processions through the streets of Saba. The event is held across the last week in July.
Sea and Learn Festival
The ocean and its marine environment are important for the local Saban community. To help teach visitors and locals alike about the significance of ocean conservation, the Sea and Learn Festival is held in October. Every year, scientists, naturalists, and professors from around the world flock to Saba to make presentations, hold exhibitions, and host shows about life in the surrounding waters. It is a great time for any tourists to visit Saba.
Saba Days
In December, Saba Days is held to showcase the beauty of this fantastic island. The festival is held in honor of the island and incorporates interesting cultural activities, including dancing, sports, and weekend-long barbecues. The fun and games are held across the island, in all of the villages. Nevertheless, The Bottom and Windwardside are usually the busiest spots on Saba during this event.
Christmas
Saba is a predominantly Roman Catholic island, so it is only natural that Christmas is celebrated here each year. The Sabans believe Christmas to be a big deal and performances are regularly held on the island leading up to the big day (December 25).
New Year’s Eve
Tourists will be surprised by the beauty of Saba on New Year’s Eve. There are plenty of spots for the crowds, so tourists have a lot of options for a New Year’s Eve party on Saba. Of course, due to the many tourists who visit at this time, it is important to book hotels well in advance.