The Greater Fort Lauderdale community encompasses a wide and diverse array of cultures, and this month it’s time to enjoy a multitude of festive fêtes and celebrations in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
Since South Florida is home to one of the largest Caribbean-American communities in the United States, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of restaurants, nightlife and celebratory experiences throughout the year. From delicious dining to a festive nightlife scene and unique festivals, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Dining & Nightlife
Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up on the way to work or craving those lively Jamaican flavors for your midweek meal, you can find everything from café con leche, conch, roti and oxtail throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale. To start your day, 925 Nuevo’s Cubano’s in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect stop for a Cuban-fueled breakfast of croquetas y cortadito.
Islands in the Pines offers colossal helpings of Jamaican favorites to liven up your lunch break. This particular Pembroke Pines hotspot also hosts regular fish fries where you can indulge in familiar Caribbean sides like bammy and conch fritters. Plus, don’t miss Localicious Caribbean Ice Cream with locations in Fort Lauderdale and Miramar. Indulge in their homemade ice cream with unique flavors like rum cake and soursop.
Photo: David I. MUir
For dinner, enjoy an amazing ocean view from Fort Lauderdale beach while savoring Caribbean-American fusion inspired by the multicultural island flavors of South Florida at Steelpan Kitchen & Bar. Your entire meal, from refreshing cocktails to the signature Steelpan coconut shell sundae, are enveloped in spices and flavors. From dinner to a night of dancing on Las Olas Boulevard, you’ll find salsa shows every Friday and Saturday at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, followed by an open dance floor with live music to perfect your moves.
Festivals
Every year, the City of Tamarac celebrates Caribbean-American Heritage Month at their Family Fun Day event at Waters Edge Park. Bring the entire family to enjoy games, music and delicious bites. From Tamarac during the day to Pompano Beach in the evening, check out the Pompano Caribbean Fest. A live concert featuring Harmonik, one of Haiti’s most popular crossover acts, is just one of the many ways to celebrate the national observance in the area.
Photo: Yohan Williams
Another event not to miss is the Caribbean Village Festival Summer Soiree in Fort Lauderdale, showcasing more than 20 dishes from five Caribbean islands, cocktails, music and lots of good vibes.
Greater Fort Lauderdale is fortunate to have a strong connection to Caribbean-American heritage. In fact, the area is home to multiple museums and cultural organizations that showcase the significance Caribbean-American immigrants contributed to the growth and development of Broward County. Pay a visit to Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Plantation to immerse yourself in Caribbean history, heritage and culture.
Learn more about all the area has to offer at VisitLauderdale.com.
