Montserrat
Montserrat, a small Caribbean island has its largest and capital city in Brades. The ideal travel time to see Montserrat is during the months of April to June or September to November, when the temperature is a lot more pleasant. Montserrat has a tropical climate and its climate seasons are spilt into the winter, fall, summer and spring seasons. The island’s population is mainly a mix of the Irish, West African, Creole and Mulatto ethnic groups. The people of Montserrat are predominantly Christians and its unique cuisine is a fusion of the Spanish, French, African and Indian cultures. Most popular foods eaten here include thick goat meat stews, crusty bread rolls, Montserrat jerk shrimp, cranberry and mahi mahi. The official language spoken here is English while you will hear the Montserrat Creole widely spoken by the locals in the Island.
Montserrat has a small landmass and the easier and convenient way to explore the country is by road. There is a great network of well paved roads connecting the places of interest. For getting around the country, you can opt for taxis, car rentals, buses or charter yachts. For travelers coming into Montserrat, it is good to keep in mind that it is generally a safe place to visit with a low crime rate. While hitchhiking during the day and early evening is safe, it is advised to avoid walking in an alleyway at night.
Montserrat is a unique island endowed with natural beauty, lush tropical forests and quiet beaches. Whenever you are in Montserrat, you will be spoiled for choice at the varieties of festivals you can experience. Music always plays an important part in most Montserrat festivals and events, from the island’s Carnival which kicks off the New Year to the musical competitions hosted every Boxing Day. Some festivals you can attend whenever you are in Montserrat include: St Patrick’s Festival which features masked street dancers, lively parade, music, a slave fest of local food and a junior calypso competition. There is also the Calabash Festival, Montserrat Carnival, and Alliouagana Festival of the Word, which is its biggest literary festival in Montserrat.
Known as the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean, Montserrat is a magnificent and picturesque haven for anyone wanting a slow and peaceful slice of tropical island life and rich natural beauty. Fascinating places of interest you should explore whenever you are visiting Montserrat include;
The Art Museum of Montserrat, which features a huge collection of artistic masterpieces from the 13th to the 20th century. You will find works by El Greco, Caravaggio, and paintings by French impressionists Pissarro, Degas etc. The museum also hosts relics of antique Egyptian art, icons and jewelry of the 15th-20th century.
Montserrat Monastery, which offers a location away from the noise of the city. You can visit here to get a fantastic view of the hillsides around.
The Montserrat Natural Park is where you can go explore the over 1250 species of plants that grow on the mountain. You can also take a hike or climb up the mountain or just experience the beauty and spirituality of the park.
The Espai Audio Visual Room, which is an exposition showcasing information about the history of Montserrat. It features displays that gives an insight into the daily lives of the monks that live in the Monastery. It is located inside the Monastery's bookshop and also provides information about the Monastery's famous printing press.
There are over 10,000 hotels and apartments to stay in Montserrat, so you will be spoiled for choice especially when in Brades.
