TURKS & CAICOS
20th Annual Kite Flying Competition
April 25

If you happen to find yourself on Turks & Caicos on April 25th, there’s a low-key event organized by the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board providing a lot of local charm and color. The 20th Annual Kite Flying Competition (and beach party) is held every Easter Monday at the Children's Park in the Bight on Providenciales and Horse Stable Beach on North Caicos & Grand Turk Governors beach. Activities include an Easter Egg Hunt, face painting, island music and plenty to eat and drink. Prizes and trophies are given for the Largest Kite, Smallest Kite, Most Artistic Kite and Best Overall Kite.

www.turksandcaicostourism.com

MARTINIQUE
Sainte-Marie Culinary Week
May 9-15

Held each spring in the small northern coastal town of Sainte-Marie, this weeklong festival celebrates Martinique’s unique gastronomy; combining the best of traditional French cuisine with Creole flavors. Sainte-Marie Culinary Week’s cooking demonstrations and tastings are held at various venues throughout the Sainte-Marie area, including the Saint James Distillery and Rum Museum, which dates back to 1765.  At the center of the event is a cooking competition in which participating chefs are challenged to use three specific ingredients to create unique and original dishes. For 2011 the featured ingredients are sweet potatoes, lemongrass and passion fruit. Special menus commemorating the festival are also created for a selection of restaurants throughout Sainte-Marie during the festival, enabling visitors to sample culinary creations born of the competition. 

 www.martinique.org

ARUBA
2nd Annual Aruba International Film Festival
June 10-18

For eight days, actors, producers, film-makers and members of the international press will descend on Aruba for the 2nd Annual Aruba International Film Festival. Last year saw the screening of international and local films and the attendance of Richard Gere as guest of honor.

www.arubafilm.com