This UK territory is rich in history and culture. First inhabited by the Taino Indians, who named the island Alliouagana ( meaning "land of the prickly bush"), then eventually conquered by the British after being renamed Montserrat by Christopher Columbus. Slavery brought African and Irish culture to the island, which has shaped the cultural landscape of the island.
Today Montserrat celebrates their heritage with festivals that highlights the ancestors in a uniquely Montserratian way, such as the St.Patrick's Day Festival which commemorates the foiled slave uprising in 1768. The resilience and fortitude of the people of Montserrat is still evident, especially with their approach to the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano, which has made half of the small island inhabitable.
Montserrat still has lots of offer travelers seeking slower pace, and ecological adventure.
Why do you travel?
Montserrat Upcoming Events 2019
July
Calabash Festival July 14th-21st 2019. This event promotes local crafts that incorporates the use of calabash fruit. The event involves a calabash exhibition at the Montserrat National Trust and a fair in which food is served using calabash bowls and utensils.
August
Cudjoe Head Festival August 2nd - 5th 2019. Highlights African history and ancestry on the island.
November
Alliouagana Festival of the Word November 15th-17th 2019. This festival began in 2008 to celebrate the written word, and to bring together artists, writers, sponsors and musicians to Montserrat. Each year the festival attracts international and regional participants who engage in readings, conversations, lectures, panel discussions and workshops.
December
Montserrat Annual Festival December 21st 2019 -January 1st 2020. 
This end of year festival is a spectacular explosion of pageant, calypso, soca, steel pan, masquerade, folklore, jump-ups, fetes and parades.
Montserrat Festival held each year since 1962 celebrates the island's culture, talent and creativity through various pageants, musical events, folklore dancing, private fetes and parades.