The Caribbean Food & Rum Festival, South Florida’s largest celebration of Caribbean-American heritage, welcomes visitors and locals to ArtsPark at Young Circle in Florida’s Hollywood on December 12th 2021. Attendees can island hop among Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada and Haiti as they indulge in all things Caribbean – food, rum, cocktails, music, arts and crafts – at this family-friendly event.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors and locals to join us in celebrating the beautiful Caribbean culture found here in Greater Fort Lauderdale, where we welcome everyone under the sun,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale.
The festival will be attended by celebrated chefs bringing mouthwatering dishes from Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas and Trinidad. Among them is celebrity chef Maurice who has been featured on Food Network’s “Chopped” and has been recognised with the 2021 Chef Award from the National Black Chef Association. Chef Maurice will serve up conch salad shots, lobster fritters with rum cream sauce and guava duff bites. Foodies will also enjoy Caribbean specialties and fusion cuisine from other renowned chefs and a curated selection of eateries.
“Greater Fort Lauderdale has a strong Caribbean community, and we’re excited to bring this experiential festival for everyone to enjoy authentic Caribbean flavours and entertainment in our inclusive, tropical paradise,” said Lindell Douglas, president and CEO of Caribbean Village Entertainment.
Legendary reggae-fusion band Third World will have everyone dancing. The nine-time Grammy-nominated band is one of Jamaica’s most popular crossover acts with their sounds influenced by soul, funk and disco. The Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist, Barrington Levy will also be performing a live show at the festival. Festival-goers will also enjoy live music from Alison Hinds – the “Queen of Soca,” Patrice Roberts, Julien Believe, Peter Ram and Pastor Kimola Brown-Lowe.
Mixologists will offer festival signature cocktails from Grenada, Haiti, Bahamas, Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Tasting Pavilion will feature a wide variety of rum, whiskey and wine from the Caribbean. Cigar enthusiasts can indulge in a large selection of fine cigars in an upscale lounge and enjoy a curated rum pairing. In addition to live musical performances, DJs will spin music throughout the day.
The Kids Village will feature games and activities, including a rock-climbing wall, bounce house, face painting and more.
For more information, including COVID-19 precautions, and to purchase tickets, visit www.caribbeanvillage.net. To plan your stay to attend the festival, visit www.visitlauderdale.com.
