Kamloops Caribbean food and music festival to make triumphant return

After years of postponement due to COVID-19, a Kamloops festival will showcase the culture and cuisine of its Caribbean residents.

The Kamloops Caribbean Festival returns Aug. 20 at Riverside Park from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and it's open to everyone.

The first ever Caribbean festival was last held in 2019 prior to COVID-19 but has been cancelled since due to pandemic restrictions, said founder and director of the Kamloops Caribbean Cultural Society Jeremy Rodney.

READ MORE: Caribbean flavours and sounds coming to Kamloops with new festival

“We’ve been looking forward to it with bated breath, hoping we’d get the chance to hold it again. It means a lot now because we can actually showcase our food and music,” he said.

This year, they had a late start with planning due to uncertainty around the pandemic but are now running full-speed ahead.

In the morning, opening music will begin followed by a flag ceremony featuring all of the Caribbean countries, with activities and bands playing throughout the afternoon.

Rodney moved from Jamaica in 2013 and he estimates there are more than 400 people from the Caribbean living in Kamloops. Kamloops census data shows 235 people have Caribbean origins who are living in the city.

“People come here every day,” Rodney laughed, adding he can’t keep track of all of them, but Kamloops is enticing for those from region because of its mild summer weather.

“For me personally, my friend invited me, he said ‘summer is nice but the winter is harsh.’ It’s peaceful,” and safe, Rodney added.

For those who may not be familiar with Caribbean cuisine, he recommends trying jerk chicken and pork or for vegans they’re creating a vegan ackee and saltfish dish, a Jamaican breakfast feast, with veggie chunks instead of saltfish.

Rum cake, a delicious dessert made with fruit and spices, will also be available, he said.

Follow the society's Facebook page to stay updated on festival events.

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