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David Whitley continues his Caribbean odyssey with a run down of the greatest street parties from the sunny isles of Trinidad, Barbados, The Bahamas, Jamaica and The Cayman Islands.

In the Caribbean an excuse is rarely needed to put on some music, have a drink and dance with abandon. But when the big festivals come around, the party takes on a whole new magnitude. Here are five of the Caribbean’s best booming, booty-shaking, bottle-clutching celebrations.

Junkanoo

Where? Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas

When? Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

While most of the world is safely tucked in bed sleeping off a sherry and turkey overdose, Bahamians are taking to the streets in the most garish costumes imaginable. The first Junkanoo takes place in the early hours of Boxing Day morning and anyone staying near the parade route can forget about getting any shut-eye.

For hours, different crews – family or community groups that can number nearly a thousand - dance through the streets to the cacophonous sound of Goombay music. They’re all in loose procession, all clad in ludicrously flamboyant gear with many clutching bottles of rum.

There are prizes available for the best crews, and preparation is taken incredibly seriously. A crew can take months sorting their costumes out.

More information: www.junkanoo.com

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