It’s that time of year again, Hotspots Happening Out’s LGBTQ+ Caribbean celebration returns Saturday, August 8th!
PrideFête has a lot to be proud of as it celebrates its 5th Anniversary this year. The nonprofit festival is the only one of its kind in all of the United States. It’s been a lovely endearing claim to be held. Whether one-of-one or one of many, the need is great and we’re honored to keep the tradition going so that the Caribbean LGBTQ+ community and their allies have a place to enjoy the culture. Because without the festival, there would be nowhere else.
The Fête (party) that the cultural festival showcases is a safe space environment that blends LGBTQ+ Pride with the Caribbean spirit, which is a match made in heaven – and here’s why. The love for dance, freedom and body-positivity with barely there ornate designs is a custom we gays and Caribbean both relish in. The allure for feathers, bright colors and sparkling gems are shared joys between our two communities and one we both indulge in with no apologies.
But unfortunately, the common trait that we share amongst our communities doesn’t translate into the love between the cultures. The Caribbean community is notoriously known for their disdain for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s the reason why PrideFête is a necessity, especially as the only LGBTQ+ Caribbean festival in the nation. Because if not for PrideFête, where else would the gay Caribbeans go to celebrate their culture in peace and harmony? Nowhere, that’s where. It’s a reality every queer Caribbean must face head-on.
To enjoy one’s culture while looking over your shoulder to make sure your dutty wine (a Caribbean sultry dance) doesn’t attract hateful attention that can cause you harm or to know that you can only fit in if you don’t embrace affectionately your partner takes away from the authentic joy one can get from a cultural experience. The Caribbean Carnival experience is dampened by homophobe. That’s where PrideFête steps in!
For the past 5 years, PrideFête has been the home to Caribbean culture that opens its arms to everyone who wants to enjoy the music, food, and spirit of Carnival – traditional Caribbean party celebrated in Caribbean countries throughout the world, and various non-Caribbean countries like the US and Canada.
This year’s PrideFête will continue its safe space tradition of Caribbean music and food, live entertainment with a mini-carnival parade that includes drummers and masquerades (elaborate feather & gem dancers) and sultry barely there carnival attire – so come dressed for the Florida heat and sexiness of it all.
The one-of-a-kind cultural event will also include the return of Karnival Bounce, an engaging Caribbean dance group that has a unique invention of dance attire that is like no other. And for the first time, a cultural staple in carnival will be on display at PrideFête, a Steel Pan Band. You’re just going to have to come out to experience it all!
Visit www.PrideFete.lgbt for presale tickets and more.
PrideFête: An LGBTQ+ Caribbean Festival
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 6pm to 11pm
Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve
1937 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
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