Festival Del Mar 2023
Birds and Boats Steal the Spotlight
Festival Del Mar was born sixteen years ago in the Village of Island Harbour. Billed as a celebration of all things sea, it highlights the food and culture of Anguilla. From the start, it was a hit with both locals and visitors.
The two-day event happening on Easter weekend is filled with great activities such as the fishing competition, model boat race, sunfish races, and the B Class Boat Race. There are more types of local seafood than you can imagine, and it’s accompanied by some of the island’s top musical performers. There is no shortage of things to entertain.
After many years of enjoying the festival from Island Harbour Beach, I chose to spend a special day on Scilly Cay. Though it’s just a few hundred feet away from Island Harbour, I always feel this tiny piece of paradise is a bit of an escape from the main island.
Walking along the shore, I know the shorebirds are taking refuge aboard one of Island Harbour’s iconic fishing boats. These Ruddy Turnstones have spent the fall and winter feeding on tasty flies along the Island Harbour shores. Soon they will head north with other overwintering species for the breeding season.
Resident Royal Terns have taken up their regular position on other vessels. They will soon head to Scrub Island to begin their annual breeding season.
We are quickly motored off to Scilly Cay by Captain Lou. On any given day, Sea Turtles bob in the tranquil waters along the way, and Lou is happy to point them out.
While the food was tasty and the Rum Punch dangerous, I focused on birds and boats.
Periodically the Royal Terns arrived on Scilly Cay’s small beach for a sea bath. They were blissfully unaware of the activity on the island.
Suddenly there is a commotion behind the restaurant as Royal Terns and Magnificent Frigatebirds descend upon the rocks. The staff has thrown out fish parts, providing an irresistible feast. Young children squeal with delight as the birds circle and return to the rocks again and again to feed.
You can experience the live action through my YouTube Companion reel by clicking the link below.
As the sun dips lower in the sky and the ocean turns fifty shades of blue-green, it is time for Anguillla’s National Sport to commence.
Five B Class Boats assembled at the starting line to compete for the win. Upsetter lived up to its name and took the trophy leaving the other boats to fight another day.
I have watched these races for many years. Scilly Cay is an excellent location to take in all the action.
As I left Scilly Cay, Island Harbour Beach was packed with residents and visitors enjoying all the festival had to offer. The music and food continued late into the night. It is one of Anguilla’s premier events and is not to be missed. I hope to see you next year!
Thank you, Jackie, for this wonderful report on the Monday boat races, especially from Scilly Cay! very unique perspective, hope to share with you in the near future, Marie
We enjoyed the Monday sail races from Meads Bay! It was beautiful as always although only 5 vessels went out