The Tobago holiday guide. Written by tourists for tourists.

For a tiny island Tobago has a wonderful calendar of cultural, sporting and fun activities throughout the year. From Buccoo's famous goat and crab racing day, Carnival, of course, food festivals and fishing tournaments - to prestigious regattas and golfing championships. The wonder is how it all fits into one small island. If you want peace and quiet on your holiday, then you might want to avoid the Carnival season!

January

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.

Tobago Carnival Regatta. 18th-20th. A fabulous annual event to watch or take part in - for more info www.sailweek.com

March

7th and 8th Carnival real is over two days of music and mayhem on the Monday and Tuesday before Lent. The island closes down and just throbs with music and dance.

Tobago Game Fishing Tournament. Charlotteville. 30th March - 2nd April. A well organised weekend event staged at Charlotteville, growing in popularity. Website: www.tgft.com

April

Crab and Goat Racing. Yes, really. 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.

May

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

Dwight Yorke Golf Classic. Tobago Plantations.

June

25th/26th Charlotteville Fisherman's Festival. 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

16th July - 1st August 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. Info: www.visittobago.gov.tt

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. Attracts cyclists from all over the world in an event that covers the whole of the island.

World Food Day Exhibition.

November

Diwali. 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.