Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration Fort Lauderdale
Embrace the rhythm of the Caribbean this June as The LOOP Fort Lauderdale Beach proudly presents the Second Annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration, presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District. Free and open to all ages, all festivities will unfold during the weekend MKT, which takes place every Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm.
FOOD – A Taste of the Caribbean
Soul-warming and deep-flavored Caribbean food is comfort at its finest. Step into a world of vibrant flavors and culturally influenced dishes from Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and more as the LOOP dishes out the tasty side of islands with live cooking demonstrations and samplings every Saturday from 10:30am-noon.
Local chefs have also contributed their signature dishes and beloved recipes from their homeland online, inviting you to experience the rich heritage and mouth-watering traditions of the Caribbean, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
- June 1, 11am-2pm: Meet & Greet and Taste the Islands Cookbook Signing, plus Madame Sarah’s DjonDjon Rice Tasting with Chef Thia
- June 1, noon-2pm: Meet & Greet and pre-order of “Koupe Dwet Boule Kay: Revolutionary Plant-Based Haitian Recipes” with Vegan chef Nzingah of “Yes Baby I Like It Raw”
- June 9, 11am-2pm.: Meet & Greet and Taste the Islands Cookbook Signing with Chef Irie
- June 15, 10:30am-2pm (spotlight Cuba): Complimentary pastelitos samples from Vicky Bakery
- June 22, 12:45pm-1:15pm spotlight Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago): Complimentary samplings of Bahamian Conch Fritters and Coconut Curry Vegetables with Plantains from Chef Daron, owner of Island Chef Cafe
- June 28, 5 – 10pm and June 29, 9am–5pm: Good Foods. Good Vibes – Visit the Good Foods purple airstream to try delicious free samples of Good Foods’ chunky guacamole and avocado salsa. Dip into summer with Good Foods’ perfectly ripe guacamole and refreshing avocado salsa made with real ingredients for real flavor. Perfect for summer snacking and for bringing all the good vibes.
- June 30: Meet & Greet and Cookbook Signing with Chef Keisha Mitto, author of “Anyone Can Cook Caribbean Fusion”
ARTIST SHOWCASE – The Colors of the Islands, June 23
In addition to the local artisans showcasing at the weekend market, visual and performance artists wishing to share their works as part of a pop-up gallery on Sunday, June 23, are invited to submit samples of their work online through May 24 at theloopflb.com/cahm-call-for-artists/
- Pieces of Jamaica Book Signing with Photographer David Muir, 11am–2pm
- Jamaican Flair: Carnival Costumes and Mask Making with Island Space Caribbean Museum, 10am – 5pm
MUSIC & DANCE – Island Vibes
Music and dance lie at the heart of Caribbean culture, and throughout June, the air will pulse with the infectious rhythms of Calypso, Reggae, Soca, Salsa, Merengue, and Dancehall. Every Saturday from noon-3pm., guests will embark on a musical journey, each dedicated to celebrating the richness of a different Caribbean nation.
- June 1: Dillard Center for the Arts – spotlight Haiti
- June 1: Intro to Haitian Folkloric Dance with Nzingah, 10:30 – 11:30am
- June 8: Sabor Latino – spotlight Puerto Rico
- June 15: Oriente Quartet – spotlight Cuba
- June 22: Pan Paradise – spotlight Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas
- June 29: Paul Anthony & The Reggae Souljahs – spotlight Jamaica
Reggae Sundays, hosted by the legendary Tanto Irie, beckon locals and visitors to bask in the sun, wander the Sunday market, and sway to live bands and DJs. This weekly celebration epitomizes the fusion of culture, community, and Caribbean vibes against the breathtaking backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach.
ENTERTAINMENT—Three special activities will round out the month-long celebration at Las Olas Oceanside Park, adding to the excitement.
- June 8 — One Love. One Ocean. From 8am-11am, make waves for a cleaner, healthier planet during the monthly Second Saturday Beach Clean Up. Hosted with the City of Fort Lauderdale and Volunteer Organization, Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep/Beach Sweep America, the One Love, One Ocean Clean Up aims to safeguard the ocean—the vital conduit that connects the Caribbean and U.S. FREE, supplies and complimentary parking provided.
- June 23 – SFCC Socaton Bring the whole family to Dance. Sweat. Fete. SFCC will once again host a free community-based Socaton walk/dance at the LOOP from 10am – 11:30am. Dedicating each event to a specific cause, the June Socaton aims to raise awareness about men’s health, specifically cancer awareness in men.
- June 28 — Movies by Moonlight: Gather under the stars for a screening of Cool Runnings, the true story of four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics despite never seeing snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, the Jamaicans set out to become worthy of Olympic selection and go all out for glory. Free. Showtime, 8pm
Date: June 01-30, 2024 All Day
Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park | 3000 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Admission:
Free and open to all ages
Event website: theloopflb.com
