~ Party time in Anguilla ~
The first Monday in August is more than just a public holiday in Anguilla.
You could be forgiven for mistaking it as a holiday in St. Maarten too, judging by the mass exodus of St. Maarteners in boats, ferries and charters who are heading to Anguilla's sandy shores on August Monday. Marking the mid-point of Anguilla's summer festival which starts on July 30 and ends on August 9, August Monday is part carnival, part festival with jouvert morning. The annual boat race and Caribbean beach party are the main attractions of this fun-filled day.
Boats full of revellers start arriving early and set anchor side by side as far as the eye can see along Sandy Ground beach. On the beach itself, the Caribbean versions of food trucks – in this case shacks – are set up to serve delicious barbecued chicken, fish and ribs as well as cold beers, sodas and alcoholic beverages throughout the day. Needless to say, there is plenty of party and carnival style music playing non-stop, making it hard to imagine being anywhere in the world on August Monday other than Sandy Ground beach in Anguilla.
For those willing to pay the price, this year there will also be a VIP barge anchored close to the main stage where partygoers can enjoy the music and entertainment, as well as the open bar, soup and Johnny cakes and just as important, the on-board restrooms.
The actual boat race and the raison d'être of the beach party take place in the afternoon, whilst the party starts early and ends late. Revellers stroll along the beach using the opportunity to people-watch as much as socialize, stopping at various boats along the stretch of beach to visit with friends on-board who are having their own little party. Sailors meanwhile race around the island followed by friends in boats of their own or by car; and more celebrations take place on their return to shore, especially for those who qualify for the Champion of Champions final boat race on the last day of Carnival.
To say that Sandy Ground beach is wall to wall people on August Monday would not be a lie, but bear in mind this is one day of the year when you're not there to sunbathe and relax. Instead, you are there to celebrate summer, enjoy an Anguillan festival and meet all the friends you could ever hope to have! Eating and drinking to your heart's content doesn't hurt either.
