PEOPLE THINK of the Calabash International Literary Festival as a three-day treat for books-lovers. But the festival is also a favourite excursion for people in love.

With the festival taking place this year on the Labour Day weekend, May 22-24, at the rustic getaway Jake's in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, many Jamaicans will have ample time to enjoy the arts and one another.

"It's the ultimate romantic getaway," said Sabrina McCook, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, who lives in Kingston. "I came to my first Calabash last year. I had just started to see this new guy and he said we should just take a day trip down to Jake's. I was blown away. The setting was so beautiful. All these white tents and the blue sea in the background. And the vibe. Let me tell you the vibe."

McCook is a special kind of 'Calabasher', explained Colin Channer, the festival's founder and artistic director. According to the 45-year-old novelist and professor of English, the festival audience can be divided into people who stay in Treasure Beach over the three days, from Friday to Sunday, and those who come to the festival only on Saturday.

"We love the people who come down just for the day on Saturday," said Channer. "They bring a whole new life and energy to the place. Calabash is not only for people who construct their lives around books. It is a place for people who are passionate about what it means to celebrate this amazing thing called life."

Calabash's programme on Saturday, May 23, will begin at 10 a.m. with a reading of autobiographies by poet Staceyann Chin, novelist Anthony Winkler and former prime minister, Edward Seaga.

At midnight there will be a sound clash between Mutabaruka, Colin Channer and a special guest selector. In between, there will be readings by local and international authors and two sessions of open mics.