Despite a light drizzle, the vibrant spirit of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival remained undeterred as the Rise & Rum sunrise beach party commenced at Copacabana Beach Club on Bay Street. The event, which ran from 4:15 a.m. to early afternoon, transformed the area into a lively hub of music, delectable local cuisine, and communal joy. Attendees danced barefoot in the sand, savoring innovative dishes and cocktails crafted with island-grown herbs and fruits, all while celebrating the essence of Bajan culture. In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Carol Roberts, CEO of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and festival producer, emphasized the event’s focus on local sourcing and sustainability. She highlighted the collaboration with small fishermen and farmers, ensuring that only seasonal and locally harvested ingredients were used. Roberts also praised the new organizational model, with the NCF handling event execution and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) managing international promotion. The festival’s entertainment lineup featured soca performances by artists like HypaSounds, King Bubba, and Lil Rick, complemented by stilt walkers and percussionists. Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams lauded the event as a celebration of Barbadian identity, culture, and independence. As the clouds cleared, attendees toasted to Bajan creativity, eagerly anticipating the festival’s grand finale, Liquid Gold, set for Sunday at the CARIFESTA House.