Gaithersburg Celebrates Caribbean-American Heritage Month

The City of Gaithersburg highlights the culture, heritage & achievements of our Caribbean-American neighbors in June.

The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June with a performance and a proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage & achievements of our Caribbean-American neighbors. At the Mayor & City Council meeting on Monday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Jud Ashman will issue an official proclamation declaring June 2022 as Caribbean-American Heritage Month in the City, recognizing the history & achievements of Caribbean-Americans. The proclamation will be presented to Joan Beckford, owner of Island Pride’s Oasis Restaurant & Catering.

Joan received the Caribbean American Heritage Spotlight Award from the Jamaican Nationals Association, Inc. in recognition of her exemplary and dedicated service to local communities. She was also recognized with an award from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for her dedicated assistance and support of Bethesda’s Multicultural Committee’s Caribbean American Heritage Events.

Celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage month with a Steel Pan Jam Performance at the Benjamin Gaither Center on Wednesday, June 29, at 12:30 p.m. Dance, tap, or just listen as musician Ronald Emrit plays his Steel Pan, entertaining us with his favorite tunes from the Caribbean Islands & the United States. Tastings of traditional desserts & drinks will be provided. Admission is free for Benjamin Gaither Center Members; $5 for non-members. Registration is required. Register online here.

Per the City of Gaithersburg: Throughout our history, Caribbean-Americans have brought vibrant cultures, languages, traditions, and values that strengthen our country & add new chapters to our common story. The Caribbean region includes 13 countries & a dozen territories including Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad/Tobago.

The Caribbean’s diversity can be experienced through its cuisine. Many different cultures came through the Caribbean over centuries, each leaving their mark on the daily lives of Caribbean people from what they eat, to how they prepare it. The most common ingredients of Caribbean cuisine are rice, plantains, beans, coconut, sweet potatoes & tomatoes. Caribbean dishes are often associated with fruity flavors & tropical aromas. Sharing a meal is a great way to experience the rich culture the Caribbean-Americans bring to our community.

The mission of the Multicultural Affairs Committee is to enrich our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg.

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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.

Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.

Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)

Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895

www.dayofthebook.com

Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival

Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director

[email protected]

301-949-9416 (text preferred)

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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