A Week of Days: January’s the best time for Haitian storytelling?

As January winds down, the week ahead offers a vibrant mix of traditions, reflections, and fun-filled quirks.

Across continents, people continue to honour historical milestones, embrace cultural heritage, and find joy in life’s smaller pleasures.

From meaningful observances of unity and remembrance to playful nods to chocolate and puzzles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So, whether you’re dancing, learning, or indulging, these celebrations serve to remind us of the threads that connect us all.

These are the holidays and observances between January 23–29. Jamaican Reggae Legacy Week, Portsmouth Market Day, and Haitian Creole Storytelling Week are among the weeklong celebrations.

JANUARY 23

National Pie Day

Caribbean bakeries put their spin on this day with tropical favorites like coconut tart, pineapple pie, or plantain or guava turnovers, blending local flavors with the global celebration of pies.

Measure Your Feet Day

A quirky reminder to appreciate your feet, their size, and their role in carrying you through life. Perfect for a playful self-care moment.

JANUARY 24

International Day of Education

Caribbean countries emphasize education as a cornerstone for development, with schools holding events to promote equal learning opportunities and showcase regional achievements in education. This United Nations’ day highlights the importance of education in building sustainable, inclusive societies. Events focus on equal access to learning opportunities worldwide.

National Compliment Day

A feel-good day to spread positivity by giving heartfelt compliments to friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.

JANUARY 25

Tatiana Day

Also known as Students’ Day in Russia, this observance honors St Tatiana and marks the end of university exams with celebrations, parties, and prayers. While not a native Caribbean holiday, this day is marked in some Caribbean communities with Russian ties, particularly in areas like Cuba where Russian cultural influence lingers.

Burns Night

This tribute to Scottish poet Robert Burns, celebrated with haggis, whisky, and recitals of his poetry. It’s a night steeped in Scottish tradition and camaraderie. Burns night may be observed in Caribbean nations with Scottish heritage, such as Jamaica, where traditional Burns Night dinners include recitals of poetry, and sometimes, a local twist on haggis.

JANUARY 26

Australia Day with Caribbean Solidarity

A national holiday commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, celebrated with barbecues, concerts, and fireworks. It also serves as a day of reflection for Indigenous Australians. Caribbean expat communities in Australia often connect their rich histories through food, music, and gatherings, blending traditions.

National Spouses Day

A chance to appreciate and celebrate your spouse, focusing on the simple joys of love and partnership.

India Republic Day

A major national holiday marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. Festivities include parades, cultural performances, and patriotic pride. Indian communities in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname commemorate India’s Republic Day with cultural events, including dances and religious observances.

JANUARY 27

Mozart’s Birthday

Honoring the birth of musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1756, music lovers worldwide enjoy performances of his compositions.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

A solemn day to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and reflect on the lessons of history to prevent future atrocities.

Errol Barrow Memorial Lecture (Barbados)

Complementing the earlier Errol Barrow Day, this lecture honors the legacy of Barbados’ first Prime Minister and discusses issues of national and cultural significance. This annual lecture celebrates the legacy of Errol Barrow, and examines contemporary Caribbean social, economic, and cultural issues.

National Chocolate Cake Day

A sweet day to indulge in the decadent delight of chocolate cake, from rich flourless versions to towering layered masterpieces.

JANUARY 29

National Puzzle Day

Celebrates the joy of solving puzzles, from crosswords to jigsaws, promoting mental agility and relaxation. Puzzle enthusiasts in the Caribbean might enjoy locally inspired games, like Puzzles by SG.

Carnival Season Kickoff

Marking the unofficial start of Carnival preparations in many Caribbean nations, with local music, vibrant costumes, and excitement building for the weeks ahead. Carnival preparations across islands such as Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and Saint Lucia ramp up with pre-Carnival events, costume showcases, and calypso and soca performances.

Grenada’s Pre-Independence Celebrations
Grenada begins gearing up for its Independence Day (February 7), with cultural events, drumming, and community parades.

JANUARY 23-29

Jamaican Reggae Legacy Week
While unofficial, the week often sees events celebrating Jamaica's globally influential reggae music, leading up to February’s Reggae Month.

JANUARY 25-29

Portsmouth Market Day
A local observance in Portsmouth, Dominica, where communities gather to celebrate the island's agricultural bounty with markets, food stalls, and cultural entertainment.

JANUARY 23-29

Haitian Creole Storytelling Week
A week where Haitians celebrate their storytelling traditions, particularly in schools and communities, preserving tales passed down through generations.

These Caribbean-centered celebrations enrich the week with vibrant traditions, historical reflection, and spirited community connections, weaving a colorful tapestry of culture and joy. Indeed, January 23-29 is a lively blend of celebration, reflection, and delicious indulgence—truly something for everyone to enjoy!