How Do You Want to Spend Your Winter in Paradise?
Photo by Attimi Photography, Turks and Caicos photographers
Did you know the average temperatures in Turks and Caicos from November through January remain in the low 80’s? There’s very little rain at this time of year, and certainly never any snow. Instead, this is the best time of the year on Providenciales, with sun, breezy trade winds, and powdery white soft sand all combining to make Grace Bay Beach a tiny slice of heaven.
Why not spend the winter holidays in paradise? Best of all there are a variety of events to help you get in the festive spirit.
Caribbean Food & Wine Festival (November 2nd – 4th)
This annual event kicks off the holiday season, pairing internationally renowned chefs and winemakers with Turks and Caicos’ diverse local talent for an authentic and innovative celebration of Caribbean cuisine.
This interactive ‘dine around’ gives festival guests an opportunity to discover the Island’s incredible restaurants. Now in its 11th year, the Gourmet Safari was the original event that served as a catalyst for the festival and continues to be a guest favorite today.
Conch Festival (November 25th)
Every November, the island of Providenciales hosts the Turks and Caicos Conch Festival – a celebration of the islands’ national symbol and top export. This large shellfish has always played an integral role in local cuisine, which they now share with the world.
Now in its thirteenth year, the festivities kick off with a Calypso event on Friday November 24th. The next day, Saturday November 25th, is when the full-blown festival occurs, with gourmet dishes including conch salad and conch chowder.
This is the official kickoff of the Christmas season, with a visit from Santa for the children.
Christmas in Turks and Caicos
Our resort typically decorates a spectacular Christmas trees that greets you when you arrive in the resort. There will be decorations around the resort as well, adding to the festive atmosphere. Many restaurants offer a special Christmas dinner service.
Maskanoo Parade (December 26th)
Maskanoo is an annual event in the Turks and Caicos and is held “Boxing Day”, the day after Christmas (a holiday in Commonwealth countries like the Turks and Caicos).
Maskanoo has its roots in the ‘Masses’, a masquerade tradition that fuses traditional African culture with costumed balls held in the colonial era. On Provo, Maskanoo originated with enslaved people brought by the Bermudian salt farmers to work the salt ponds of nearby Salt Cay and South Caicos two hundred years ago, and the event is observed by the residents of Provo today.
On Providenciales, the Maskanoo parade on December 26th follows a route along Grace Bay Road between the Regent Village and Salt Mills Plaza. Grace Bay Road is closed to traffic for this event.
Food, drink and souvenirs are widely available from local vendors, and visitors can enjoy a street parade, local music, island food, arts, & entertainment.
Post-Christmas Beach Party
Following Maskanoo is the Post-Christmas Beach Party on December 28th, right on Grace Bay Beach. This annual event features live music, stalls selling authentic local “comfort food”, and sometimes even kayak racing.
New Year’s Eve and Old Year’s Night
On Providenciales, New Year’s Eve typically starts off with an island tradition called Old Year’s Night. Turks and Caicos residents typically attend church services in the evening, and church bells ring out late into the night to bring good luck into the New Year.
At midnight, fireworks are set off to ring in the New Year.
How Do You Want to Spend the Holidays in Paradise?
Starting at the beginning of November, there are many festivals and activities that usher in the winter season. If you’re looking for activities during your stay at our resort this winter, there is lots to do. Of course, if you just want to relax, you never need leave our luxury resort on Grace Bay Beach.
For more information about these events, or to create your own special celebration, please contact our concierge, who will be happy to help you create a unique and personalized holiday plan, just for you.
