August offers several opportunities to celebrate and experience the culture of the Caribbean in the Hartford area. The month begins with Emancipation Day and weeks later, includes the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, Aug. 23. The celebration extends into September with the Heart and Soul Caribbean Food Festival. In Greater Hartford, it means the flavors, music and gorgeous costumes of Caribbean culture.
Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival
Aug. 7, 1 to 9 p.m.: Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd, Hartford: Riverfront Recapture, Taste of The Caribbean Arts & Culture Inc. and Summer in the City host the annual Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival. The event, held along the Connecticut River, offers Caribbean cuisine, beverages, music, dancing, food vendors and kids’ activities. Free. riverfront.org.
West Indian Celebration Week
Aug. 6 to 14, 3340 Main St., Hartford: The West Indian Social Club of Hartford holds events for its West Indian Celebration Week from Aug. 6 to 14 with a variety of events including Glow Night and All Islands Night. For details, see facebook.com/WISCofHartford. Tickets on eventbrite.
The West Indian Independence Carnival Parade
Aug. 14, starts at 1 p.m., Downtown Hartford: Performers in elaborate costumes and musicians light up the street of Downtown Hartford. The parade will start at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Hosted by Boasy Boy Floyd, live performers will include: Freddie McGregor, Kerwin Du Bois, Don Minot, Kashu, J Banks, Dajah and Dadre. Event information on Facebook.
Connecticut Daybreak Season 7 Vol.2 – Afro-Caribbean Street Carnival
Aug, 28, 1 to 6 p.m., Russian Lady, 191 Ann Uccello St., Hartford: There will be food trucks, six DJ’s, and vendors. Carnival attire and costumes are encouraged. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.
Heart And Soul Caribbean Food Festival
Sept. 5, noon to 9 p.m., Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield: This daylong event will be filled with food, music and fun. Gates open at noon and tickets will range from $5 – $20. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the musical performances that include: Kenyatta Hill of Culture, Derrick Barnett and The Statement Band, Anthem Band, Neko Xcellence, Stephen Sylvester & The Rum Punch Mafia, Reality & The Soca Band, Sledge, Dorrett Sterling, The Steel Drum Forum, The Caribbean American Dance Company and much more. Tickets on eventbrite.
