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
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 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
ARTIST SHOWCASE – The Colors of the Islands
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 30, are invited to submit samples of their work online through May 17 at https://theloopflb.com/cahm-call-for-artists/.
MUSIC – 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 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—Two 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 planetduring 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 will be provided. Register to attend at https://theloopflb.com/events/one-love-one-ocean
- June 28 — 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 having seen 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.
Where:
Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
The most convenient place to park is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option is available. Parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone App.
Cost:
The LOOP’s events are free and open to the public.
How:
For more information, please visit theloopflb.com/events/cahm2024
About The LOOP
A cornerstone of activity, The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) is the central hub of the $65 million four-park system at the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. The public greenspaces, including the Intracoastal Promenade, Las Olas Beach Garage Sunset Terrace, and DC Alexander Park, aim to provide infinite experiences for everyone under the sun and year-round activity in Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront backyard. Through its four pillars, “FAME,” The LOOP offers a variety of special events, activities, and unique local experiences for all, including free concerts, holiday happenings, farmer’s markets, community workouts, and more.
For more information, visit theloopflb.com or contact [email protected]. Follow The LOOP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theloopflb and Instagram at www.instagram.com/theloopflb/.
About Tanto Irie
Celebrating 20 years as the DJ Host of Reggae Runnins on HOT 105 FM, Tanto Irie (‘The Irie One’) hosts the #1 reggae show on South Florida’s #1 radio station for three hours every Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. The show, Reggae Runnins, a staple in the South Florida community, is the brainchild of L. Anthony Garrick, aka Tanto Irie, whose origin is deeply rooted in the musical tradition and cultural heritage derived from the indigenous music of Jamaica, REGGAE.
Tanto’s listeners look forward to tuning in as he updates them on the latest music featuring interviews with the hottest artists and legendary veterans the likes of Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Sanchez, Morgan Heritage, the Marley Brothers, Cocoa Tea, Taurus Riley, Mikey Spice, Shaggy, Gyptian, Beenie Man and many others who create reggae music that continues to inspire and entertain people from all walks of life.
