As South Florida’s largest celebration of Caribbean-American heritage, the Caribbean Food & Rum Festival provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate everything the Caribbean has to offer on Sunday, Dec. 12, at ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood. The family-friendly event features food, rum, cocktails, music, and arts and crafts from various islands, including Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, and Haiti.
“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,” says Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Among the chefs offering their Caribbean dishes from Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and Trinidad include celebrity chef Maurice, who has been featured on Food Network’s “Chopped” and has been recognized with the 2021 Chef Award from the National Black Chef Association. Chef Maurice will serve conch salad shots, lobster fritters with rum cream sauce and guava duff bites. Attendees can also experience 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 flavors and entertainment in our inclusive, tropical paradise,” says Lindell Douglas, president and CEO of Caribbean Village Entertainment.
Live music entertainers include reggae-fusion band Third World. This nine-time Grammy-nominated band is one of Jamaica’s most popular crossover acts, with their sounds influenced by soul, funk and disco. Barrington Levy, a Grammy-nominated artist, will also perform. Other performers include Alison Hinds – the “Queen of Soca,” Patrice Roberts, Julien Believe, Peter Ram and Pastor Kimola Brown-Lowe.
Mixologists will also provide 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. There is a large selection of fine cigars in an upscale lounge, which can be enjoyed with a rum pairing. A Kids Village will feature games and activities, including a rock-climbing wall, bounce house, face painting and other entertainment.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.caribbeanvillage.net.
