Caribbean is also part of a continent, or are continents part of the Caribbean?

When talking about Caribbean, we only think Islands. We have the big ones, like Cuba, Haiti & The Dominican Rep. (DR). And the small ones, such as Antigua, St. Kitts and Saba. However, in the travel industry we have been joined by some even bigger partners. Here is where the coastal zones of countries such as Colombia and Mexico position themselves as Caribbean destinations. We have debated many times wether they should be considered Caribbean or not.

Map of the Caribbean Sea and its islands. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One can look at it from 2 angles: geographical and cultural.
Geographically they do share the same sea, The Caribbean Sea. This is one of the main reasons for our existence as Islands. Therefore the sea that surrounds us makes us part of ....The Caribbean. Hence, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cartagena, Santa Marta and all other coastal locations can be considered Caribbean.
Culturally, I see a bit more of a gap. The Caribbean has a mix of cultures, based on historical backgrounds. We have the British, French, Spanish and Dutch Caribbean. Even a bit Nordic with St. Barth's' Swedish herritage. Mainland South and Central America is only Spanish (Brazil's coast faces the Atlantic). The mix of cultures on the Islands brought with it a birthplace for many different and rich music genres. Merengue from the DR, Salsa From Cuba/Puerto Rico (still a hot item where it is really from), reggae from Jamaica, Soca from Trinidad & Tobago, Tumba from Curacao and Zouk from the French Antilles. To mention a few.
Besides Colombia having Vallenato and Cumbia, most large countries from the mainlands don't have a rich and rhythmic music background. The music they play and enjoy comes from the Islands. There are some famous musicians from Colombia, Panama and Mexico playing Salsa and Merengue, but the core is on the Islands.

On the other hand, what does the tourist think? Their main reason to come visit us is sun, sea and sand. With a pinch of culture to make the necessary pictures to take back home. So, if the beaches are white, the water is blue and warm, the palm trees are green and the beach bar is well stocked....it is Caribbean. Just enjoy those sounds of Bob Marley or Sparrow in the background blend in, dance away the night to Joe Aroyo or Gilberto Santa Rosa and just be....

That's what Caribbean is all about. Relax and enjoy life

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