A not so foreign yet somewhat unfamiliar party has made its way back into the arms of the Island City. Caribbean Pride is back!
Unfamiliar because the unique Pride Festival can be somewhat of a culture shock in the City of Wilton Manors. It’s not every day that city members are exposed to J’ouvert, Junkanoo, and Carnival, all party styles of a Caribbean gathering. I’m sure even the name Fête strikes the minds of curiosity. But they’re all part of the big to-do that will take place at Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve (1937 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305) on Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
Fête, a French word meaning party, is synonymous with Caribbean culture. Carnival parties across the globe use the term in celebration of Caribbean food, music, and spirit. And we are doing no different, but of course with a twist. PrideFête combines the soul of the Caribbean culture with the love of the LGBTQ+ community, a pairing that doesn’t usually get to see the light of day often due to the culture shock that exists on both sides of the aisle. But what would we be, if we didn’t bring the love of both together in perfect harmony?
It’s not like the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t have a population of Caribbean folx. In fact, a Caribbean Festival is most certainly not so foreign to the LGBTQ+ Wilton Manors, South Florida community. The first ever Caribbean Pride party in South Florida was birthed in the heart of the Island City back in 2015. It all started with the love for the culture from a lesbian couple that wanted to find a safe space to enjoy their heritage. They turned to one of Wilton Manors’ local LGBTQ+ social services nonprofits, Sunserve, and Caribbean Pride was born.
Now, it’s back but under the partnership of Hotspots! & Happening Out, Pride Fort Lauderdale, and the City of Wilton Manors. The PrideFête Festival will represent the soul and heart of the Caribbean culture. Party Goers can expect to be “whined and dined” but not in the traditional sense of the phrase, we’re adding some flavor to the mix. The whine speaks to the hip thrusting beats of the Caribbean music that will surely get you on your feet as you dine on traditional Caribbean culture cuisine from different nationalities of the diasporas.
What more can you want? Music, dancing, entertainment, elaborate carnival barely-there outfits adorn with gems, sequin and feathers on sexy men and women, cultural cuisine, libations, and prize giveaways – PrideFête will stay true to the culture!
Get your tickets now. Presale general admission is at $5 and presale VIP is $50, which includes 1 festival entry, 5 free drink tickets, indoor A/C access, and complimentary Caribbean Hors D’oeuvres.
Become a sponsor. Rep your business as a food, nonprofit, or retail vendor. Learn more about the deejays and entertainment lineup as it becomes available. Find it all at www.pridefete.lgbt.
PrideFête: An LGBTQ+ Caribbean Festival
Date & Time: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 6pm-11pm
Location: Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve
1937 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
General Admission: $5 Presale, $7 at the door
VIP: $50 Presale, $75 at the door
-1 Festival Entry
-5 Free Drink Tickets
-Indoor A/C Access
-Comped Caribbean Hors D’oeuvres
