The Calabash Festival has been linked to the iconic calabash fruit, a symbol of our African Heritage. It has been traditionally used to produce eating utensils, musical instruments, fashionable bags and decorative items. The festival includes a family fun day, hike, island tour, African fashion show, coastal excursions to the former capital city, Plymouth and a craft and food fair.

The village of Cudjoe Head was named after an 18th century slave who met a tragic end after being caught trying to run away. This annual celebration of Montserrat’s African heritage started in 1989 and the normally quiet village comes alive with the sounds of steelband music, iron bands, drumming and the masquerades.

The Alliouagana Literary Festival is a book lovers dream. Local Historians and writers showcase their talents alongside regional and international authors during this weekend event. From its inaugural event held November 13 – 15, 2009, the festival has been able to attract international authors such as Jason Reynolds, Eric Jerome Dickey, Frané Lessac, Marie Elena John, Olive Senior, and Earl Lovelace.Renowned lecturers and speakers such as the late Dr. George A. Irish, Sir Hilary Beckles, Sir Howard Fergus, Dr. Carolyn Cooper, Dr. Yvonne Weekes, and Opal Palmer Adisa have shared their wisdom on Caribbean identity, nationalism and creativity.The three-day literary festival is preceded by the Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell Memorial Lecture Series each year.