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 Sunday, Dec. 12, 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 featuring plenty of photo opportunities.
“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.
Celebrated chefs bring mouthwatering dishes from Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas and Trinidad to festivalgoers. Among them is 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 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 flavors 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. Their chart-topping hits include “Now That We Found Love,” “96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Try Jah Love.” Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist Barrington Levy is one of the great success stories of the ‘80s. One of his many hits, “Here I Come,” is now featured in the 2021 Netflix movie “The Harder They Fall.” The Grammy-nominated artist is currently working on an album which will be titled “It’s About Time,” and he has said it will be his last. Festivalgoers 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
About Greater Fort Lauderdale
Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F and has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine and is known as the Venice of American and Yachting Capital of the World. Explore 4,000+ eateries, 300+ miles of navigable waterways, eight distinct beaches, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, rooftop bars, diving, fishing and other outdoor adventures, world class shopping and boats, yachts and superyachts moored at the area’s many marinas – all conveniently located in the center of South Florida. Made up of 31 municipalities, the destination boasts more than 37,000 lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts and boutique properties, reflecting a cosmopolitan vibe. Upon arrival at FLL Airport (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport), it is just five minutes to the beach, Port Everglades, the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and downtown. Find trip planning inspiration at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and Area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale
About Caribbean Village Entertainment
Caribbean Village Entertainment (CaribVille Entertainment) is a full-service event planning and marketing company. Established in 2015, the company is known for its sophisticated, wholesome and authentic Caribbean events.
