The Tobago holiday guide. Written by tourists for tourists.

Carnival season starts. Carnival in Tobago is a much smaller affair than Trinidad's, but taken just as seriously. In January you'll see children busy making their costumes and rehearsing their dances in their back yards with the big build up to Carnival.

February

Carnival season continues. Carnival real is over two days of music and mayhem on the Monday and Tuesday before Lent - this year the 15th & 16th. The island closes down and just throbs with music and dance.

Tobago Carnival Regatta. 19th-21st. A fabulous annual event to watch or take part in - for more info www.sailweek.com

March

Tobago Game Fishing Tournament. Charlotteville. 11th-14th. A well organised weekend event staged at Charlotteville, growing in popularity. Website: www.tgft.com

April

Crab and Goat Racing. Yes, really. 5th, 6th, 14th. Takes place in Buccoo on Easter Tuesday, and has to be seen to be believed. The goats are accompanied by jockeys who run alongside them, and the crabs are guided toward the chequered flag with bits of string.

Tobago Jazz Experience. 21st - 25th. Website: www.pantribago.co.tt

May

Culinary Festival. 23rd. Pigeon Point. www.visittobago.gov.tt

Dwight Yorke Golf Classic. Tobago Plantations. 28th May - 2nd June

June

Charlotteville Fisherman's Festival. 25th, 26th, 27th. Celebrates the patron saint of fishermen and takes place on St Peter's Day. The biggest celebration takes place at the beautiful fishing village of Charlotteville at Man O War Bay.

July

Tobago Heritage Festival. Last 2 weeks of July. Villagers perform folk singing and dancing to celebrate the islands local customs and traditions. They dress up in traditional costumes that depict village life from the early 1900's. A very popular event involving the whole island.

August

Carib Great Race. 28th. A fabulous show of power boats racing from across Trinidad to Tobago.

Castara Fishermans' Fete. 28th.

September

Tobago International Cycling Classic. 31st September - 5th October. www.trinbagowheelers.com

October

Tobago International Cycling Classic. till 5th October. See above. Attracts cyclists from all over the world in an event that covers the whole of the island.

World Food Day Exhibition. 15th

November

Diwali. 5th. Festival of Lights celebrated by the Tobago Hindu community.

Eid-Ul-Fitr. Marks the end of Ramadan. Tobago has a multi-cultural society and this Muslim festival is just one of many for those of different faiths on the island.

December

Christmas. Without the snow and tinsel but just as jolly. The island is usually full to capacity at this time of year.