Fodor's Expert Review Inagua Heritage & Salty Festival

More oriented to locals and their families, and sponsored by the Morton Salt Company, this homecoming-type heritage festival takes place over the Emancipation holiday weekend in early August. Most activities are in Matthew Town's marketplace, with a Sunday Beach Bash on Farquharson Beach, 8 miles north of the town. Visitors are most welcome and encouraged to join in. Celebrations include an ecumenical church service, gospel choirs, a Junkanoo rush-out, fireworks, live bands, games, and cultural activities, including the plaiting of the maypole and climbing the greasy pole. Along with festival staples, such as barbecued meats and fresh seafood, it's a great chance to savor some of the island's more unusual delicacies, such as spiced souses and baked breads and tarts.