Grace Jerk Festival to support hurricane recovery today

The much-anticipated Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival (GJJF) makes its grand return to South Florida on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Miramar Regional Park. This year’s event not only promises a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culture, delectable cuisine, and pulsating reggae and soca music but also serves as a rallying point for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The festival has partnered with Connex Air Cargo and SSMC Xpress International Couriers to collect and deliver urgently needed supplies to communities devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica two weeks ago. Attendees are encouraged to contribute by donating essential items at the festival or through designated collection points. The first shipment of relief supplies is set to depart Miami in the coming days, carrying food, water, clothing, and hygiene essentials directly to Kingston. On the entertainment front, the festival will feature electrifying performances by reggae legend Romain Virgo, dancehall icon Mr Vegas, and soca sensation Destra Garcia, alongside The Wailers, who will perform timeless Bob Marley classics. Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to interactive cooking demos, celebrity chef appearances, and innovative Caribbean dishes. Festival organizers emphasize the importance of community support, urging South Florida residents to stand with Jamaica during this challenging time. Eddy Edwards, president and CEO of Jerk Festivals USA, highlighted the festival’s dual purpose: celebrating Caribbean heritage while aiding recovery efforts. Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair echoed this sentiment, calling for solidarity and generosity. Connex Air Cargo’s chairman, Luke Hamilton, and SSMC Xpress International’s Florida operations manager, Christopher Morris, reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating timely and secure delivery of donations. As the largest Caribbean food festival in the U.S., GJJF continues to unite people through culture, cuisine, and compassion.