The sleepy fishing village of Island Harbour comes alive on Easter weekend, to the rhythms and flavours of the annual Festival del Mar. On easter all roads lead to Island Harbour as Anguilla celebrates the island’s seafaring heritage in the colorful Festival del Mar.  Sponsored jointly by the community of Island Harbour, the Anguilla Tourist Board and the Ministry of Youth & Culture, Festival Del Mar serves a dual purpose, providing our people with the opportunity to celebrate our history with generations to come whilst offering our visitors a window into our unique cultural traditions.

Located at the eastern tip of Anguilla’s undulating shoreline, the village’s rich history dates back to the early 1600’s when it is said a boat carrying a group of missionaries from Ireland were shipwrecked just off the northern coast.

The survivors found refuge on Anguilla, and called it Ireland Harbour. Over the years the spelling was changed to Island Harbour which we know it as today. For centuries, the men of Island Harbour eked out a living from the rich waters of Anguilla which teemed with all varieties of fish, including the famous Anguillian spiny lobster, and its smaller, sweeter cousin, the crayfish. It was from an industry of fishing, boat building and lobster catching that they built their community economy – all whilst honing their boat-racing skills to near perfection.



Today, the Festival del Mar is conceptualized by community leaders as a means of paying tribute to their sea-faring heritage, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to savor the flavors of a variety of delicacies from the sea, whilst enjoying a plethora of activities that take place in, on or around the water. Local string bands and steel pans add to the colorful, festive atmosphere as residents, young and old, compete in a series of events including crab-racing, model boat-racing, sun-fish racing and deep sea fishing. Swimming races are also held, but the highlight, of course, is the island’s beloved national sport, Boat racing.

With over 20foodstalls lining the roadways and beachfront on Island Harbour, culinary delights abound, with only one stipulation: all menu items must come from the sea! Lobster, crayfish, conch, whelks, snapper, shellfish and calamari are served up in a variety of ways, with favorite sides like dumplings, cookies, fried cakes and Johnny cakes to round off the finger-licking meal.


Festival Del Mar celebrates all things of the sea, with traditional cooking and culinary competitions (seafood recipes only!), swimming races, fishing tournaments, boatracing and more.