MIRAMAR, Fla. — The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival returns to Miramar this weekend, celebrating Caribbean culture with food, music and community — and this year, organizers say the event carries a deeper purpose as Jamaica continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa.
The annual festival, now more than two decades old, has grown into one of the largest Caribbean cultural events in the United States.
“It’s gonna be a lot of energy, and I think the emotions will be running high,” said dancehall artist Mr. Vegas, who is among this year’s performers. “I think the people are coming to get a great performance, and they will be getting a great performance. We have the dancers, you know, we have the hits.”
Known for chart-toppers like “Heads High” and “Bruk It Down,” Mr. Vegas said his message this year is driven by the storm’s impact.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, devastated parts of Jamaica last month.
“We have the platforms and the voice as massagers so we are able to spread the message worldwide to let people know what’s happening and how bad some regions were damaged,” he said. “Some regions were totally decimated.”
Mr. Vegas recently recorded a new song, “Melissa,” named after the storm.
Proceeds from the downloads are going to go directly to helping Jamaica,” he said.
The festival also highlights Caribbean cuisine, including a chef competition. Among the first-time competitors is Chef Rose of Sunrise.
“I see it as it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said. “I don’t really see it as competition with fellow colleague Chef Clay. Very talented guy, so looking forward to having some fun with it.”
Chef Rose will also operate a booth at the festival.
“We will have jerk chicken lentil coup and also a jerk chicken and waffle,” he said.
The festival, organizers say, is as much about unity as it is about food and music — and this year, they’re encouraging guests to support relief efforts for those affected in Jamaica.
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival takes place Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Miramar.
Click here for more information on tickets and recommended donations for Hurricane Melissa relief.
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