June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month – a time to celebrate those who have migrated from all over the tropics to the US. Caribbean hubs such as NYC and Miami celebrate Caribbean people with big colorful parades and music festivals reminiscent of carnival. Many host Carribbean restaurant week and parties (aka fetes) in celebration of the Carib massive. Wherever we go, we celebrate and display our heritage. If you can’t make it to a fete or carnival this year, here’s a few small ways to celebrate.
Get up and dance
Anyone who’s had the pleasure of being in a Caribbean household whether it’s Haitian or Guyanese, knows it’s all about the music! Turn on your fave playlist and get that waist whinin. Carib DJs are known for having some of the hottest mixes YouTube and Spotify have to offer. You can even go old school and buy a mix CD if you’re in Brooklyn or the BX.
Now it’s time for food
You can’t have a true fete without food. Order in from your fave tropic restaurant or whip up your go-to recipe. Don’t have a go-to recipe? Call up your cousin and aunties for a bit or guidance (don’t expect any exact measurements though).
Wave ya flag!
Caribbean people are a prideful people. Go to any bashment party and you’ll hear shouts of “Jamaica to the world” or “Trini to the bone” more times than you can count. And you’ll see a sea of flags from T-shirts to waistbands to car decals. Get in on the fun and wave your flag!
Return to the Motherland
The best way to celebrate our heritage is to get in touch with it. Many Carib-Americans make a trip home at least twice yearly – to give back, visit family, or just relax. When you’re planning your next vacay, consider returning to your motherland.
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