CAHM 2024
Embrace the rhythm of the Caribbean culture through Food, Art, Music, and Entertainment during the 2nd annual Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration, presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale BBID.
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.
Since 2006, June has been officially recognized as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, a time to honor Caribbean Americans’ vibrant culture and enduring contributions to the fabric of American society. In 2023, the City of Fort Lauderdale honored The LOOP with a proclamation, cementing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the city.
Rooted in The LOOP’s commitment to engagement and its mission to provide an “Infinite Experience for Everyone Under the Sun,” the celebration at Las Olas Oceanside Park promises a colorful showcase of Caribbean culture through food, art, music, and entertainment.
Free and open to all ages, all festivities will unfold during the weekend MKT, which takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FOOD – A Taste of the Caribbean
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, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Meet & Greet and Taste the Islands Cookbook Signing, plus Madame Sarah’s DjonDjon Rice Tasting with Chef Thia
- June 1, 12 – 2 p.m.: 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, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Meet & Greet and Taste the Islands Cookbook Signing with Chef Irie
- June 15, 10:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.: Complimentary Pastelitos samples from Cuban Bakeshop, Vicky Bakery
- June 22, 12:45 p.m.– 1:15 p.m.: Complimentary samplings of Bahamian Conch Fritters and Coconut Curry Vegetables with Plantains from Chef Daron, owner of Island Chef Cafe
- June 28, 5 – 10 p.m. and June 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.: 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
Art in Caribbean culture is a vibrant tapestry of history, identity, and expression. It captures the essence of the islands’ rich heritage, from the vivid hues of carnival costumes to the poignant storytelling in photography and literature. Join us on June 23 for a captivating journey through the eyes of renowned photojournalist David Muir and other local talents. Discover the soul of the Caribbean through art.
- Pieces of Jamaica Book Signing with Photographer David Muir, 11 am – 2 pm
- Jamaican Flair: Carnival Costumes and Mask Making with Island Space Caribbean Museum, 10 am – 5 pm
- Caribbean Artist Showcase – View Featured Artists, 10 am – 5 pm
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 12 to 3 p.m., 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 – 11:30 am
- June 8: Sabor Latino – spotlight Puerto Rico
- June 15: Oriente Quartet – spotlight Cuba
- June 15: Jen Martinez Bre – 1:15 – 1:45 pm
- June 22: Pan Paradise – spotlight Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas
- June 22: Terrence Pride Dancers – 10:30 – 11:00 am
- June 22: Jo Jean – 1:15 – 1:45 pm
- June 22: Julien Believe 3:30 – 5:00 pm
- 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.
View performance schedule
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 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 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 10 am – 11:30 am. 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, 8:00 p.m.