Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • One Family, Colours win 2025 Boxing Day Junkanoo

    One Family, Colours win 2025 Boxing Day Junkanoo

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The 2025 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade witnessed a spectacular victory for One Family Junkanoo & Community Organization, marking their first championship title since 2022. Their winning presentation, “1001 Arabian Nights: Tales of Mystery and Magic,” captivated judges and spectators alike, earning a dominant 621 points to secure the A Division crown as unofficial parade winners.

    The highly competitive event saw The Valley claim second position with 578 points for their creatively menacing theme “The Revenge of the Arthropods.” Shell Saxons Superstars captured third place honors with 533 points for their politically-charged presentation “Parade of Nations: Echoes of War, Voices of Peace.”

    Rounding out the top contenders were World Famous Valley Boys Established 1958 in fourth place (528 points) with “Myths & Legends of Martial Arts,” followed by Roots Junkanoo Group in fifth (506 points) with their tribute-themed presentation “Women.” Genesis Warhawks narrowly missed fifth position by a single point, finishing sixth with 505 points for “The Book of Wisdom – Proverbs, Sayings & Teachings.”

    The B Division competition showcased equally impressive performances, with Colours Junkanoo Group emerging as category champions. Their casino-themed extravaganza “A Nite @ Da Casino” earned them top honors as unofficial winners in their division.

    This annual cultural extravaganza continues to demonstrate the vibrant creativity and artistic excellence of Bahamian parade traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to witness the elaborate costumes, rhythmic music, and choreographed performances that define Junkanoo culture.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Tekyra Richards arrives in St Kitts for regional pageant

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Tekyra Richards arrives in St Kitts for regional pageant

    Tekyra Richards, the official delegate for Antigua and Barbuda, has touched down in St Kitts and Nevis, marking her arrival for the highly anticipated Belle Mont Resort Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant. The young contestant expressed immediate enthusiasm for cultural immersion upon her arrival, signaling her intent to fully engage with the host nation’s traditions during the competition period.

    In a post-arrival statement, Richards articulated her cultural curiosity, noting, ‘My time in St Kitts will be dedicated to genuinely experiencing and understanding the local culture.’ The talented teen maintained an air of theatrical mystery regarding her planned performance for the competition, skillfully building anticipation while preserving the element of surprise for the live audience.

    When pressed for performance details, Richards responded with playful secrecy: ‘I’m tremendously excited for everyone to see what I’ve prepared. Should I keep it a secret? I believe I should maintain the mystery. You’ll need to attend the event to experience it fully. What I can reveal is that it’s musical in nature and absolutely fantastic.’

    The Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant represents a significant platform for emerging youth talent throughout the Caribbean region. This cultural extravaganza celebrates adolescent excellence across multiple disciplines including artistic performance, creative expression, and cultural presentation, serving as a developmental milestone for young Caribbean women pursuing arts and performance careers.

  • Rogelio Riveron’s book at Saturday literary event in Havana

    Rogelio Riveron’s book at Saturday literary event in Havana

    Every Saturday morning at 11:00 local time, the historic Calle de Madera adjacent to Old Havana’s Plaza de Armas transforms into a vibrant literary hub. This weekly open-air event, sponsored by Cuba’s National Book Institute (ICL), creates a unique platform fostering direct connections between literature enthusiasts and the nation’s literary voices.

    The gathering spotlights significant works from Cuba’s publishing landscape, including Roberto Riveron’s critically acclaimed 2014 publication ‘El Tigre y la Mansedumbre’ (The Tiger and the Meekness). Published by Letras Cubanas, the nation’s prestigious publishing house, Riveron’s work represents a departure from conventional literary frameworks. According to ICL’s official release, the author challenges readers with an unpredictably structured narrative that examines national realities through a literary lens aiming to transcend local boundaries.

    While superficially tracing a son’s journey across the island to visit his imprisoned father, Riveron’s text operates on multiple thematic levels, offering profound commentary on contemporary Cuban society. The weekly event forms part of Cuba’s broader cultural strategy to promote literary engagement and make literature accessible in public spaces, reinforcing the island’s rich intellectual traditions amidst its complex social landscape.

  • Milk and Honey takes over Sabina Park on Sunday

    Milk and Honey takes over Sabina Park on Sunday

    Milk and Honey, Jamaica’s premier fashion-themed social gathering, is poised to deliver an enhanced experience for its 2025 edition while maintaining its reputation as the season’s most anticipated event. The upcoming installment is scheduled to transform Sabina Park on Sunday, December 28, marking another milestone in the event’s evolution since its local inception in 2018.

    Event Director Fabeion Dennisor revealed to the Jamaica Observer that continuous improvement remains a fundamental principle guiding each production. ‘Guests can anticipate a refined experience characterized by amplified spectacle and, most importantly, unforgettable fashion presentations,’ Dennisor stated. The event has strategically expanded its appeal to embrace a more diverse demographic through intentionally curated elements spanning culinary offerings, musical programming, guest services, and overall aesthetic design.

    The luxury experience is further elevated through partnerships with premium spirits brands Johnnie Walker and Don Julio. Nadine Thomas-Hylton, brand manager for both labels, emphasized the natural synergy between the event and the spirits: ‘Milk and Honey is renowned for spectacular fashion and personality displays, while our brands are celebrated for the authenticity they provide to discerning consumers.’

    Thomas-Hylton highlighted the three-year successful association, noting that the partnership transforms the venue into a luxury celebration haven. The brands aim to foster an atmosphere of genuine togetherness and celebration while supporting Jamaica’s economic recovery efforts. Patrons can expect expertly crafted premium cocktails and a secure environment for creative expression and social connection.

    The musical dimension will feature performances by DJ Tyler, Ricky Platinum, Noah Powa, Chromatic, and Shukkle Bus, ensuring a dynamic auditory experience complementing the fashion-forward visual elements. The event continues to attract notable personalities, including social media influencers Jermaule ‘Nino’ Adair and Shanzi, who added their star power to recent stagings.

  • Breaking: Nu Vybes ends 20-year drought to capture Road March title

    Breaking: Nu Vybes ends 20-year drought to capture Road March title

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — In a spectacular culmination of Carnival celebrations, Nu Vybes International Band has ended a two-decade championship drought by capturing the coveted 2025/2026 Road March title. The victory came after one of the most nail-biting competitions in recent memory, ultimately decided through an unprecedented tie-breaking procedure.

    The decisive moment unfolded during an electrifying Jouvert morning that attracted massive crowds of revelers flooding the streets in support of competing bands. In a remarkable twist, the initial judging concluded in a perfect tie between Nu Vybes and Kollision Band, both achieving identical scores of 259.85 points.

    The deadlock triggered the official tie-breaking protocol, beginning with an assessment of aggregate scores. When auditors confirmed both bands had achieved mathematically identical totals, the competition advanced to a second tie-breaker requiring judges to vote individually for the band delivering the superior overall performance. This final deliberation resulted in Nu Vybes being crowned champion.

    National Carnival Committee Chair Shannon Hawley clarified the unprecedented situation, emphasizing that the tie-breaking criteria had been established through collaborative input from participating bands rather than unilateral NCC decision-making. ‘The road march policy and criteria were developed through collective band consensus,’ Hawley stated during the announcement.

    Kollision Band secured first runner-up position with their entry ‘TMI,’ while Grand Masters claimed second runner-up honors with ‘Rock Steady,’ achieving 256.85 points.

    In parallel troupe competitions, Grand Masters Addix dominated with their presentation ‘Bounce Around,’ earning 145 points. They were followed by Kollision Band’s ‘Life in Color’ (139 points) and Xtreme Nation’s ‘Ink and Dutty’ (135 points). The Large Troupe category saw Excess Jouvert triumph with 150 points for their ‘Road Work’ theme, which featured one of the day’s largest participant turnouts.

    The enormous crowds created significant congestion along Fort Street, prompting officials to consider relocating future Jouvert celebrations to accommodate growing participation. Carnival festivities continue throughout the season.

  • DNO Christmas Shodo : Relive the magic of culture and creativity

    DNO Christmas Shodo : Relive the magic of culture and creativity

    The Dominica News Online (DNO) network is reviving its acclaimed cultural programming this holiday season, bringing back three cherished specials that spotlight Dominican artistic excellence. Originally broadcast in 2021, 2023, and 2024, these meticulously produced showcases highlight the nation’s extraordinary talents across musical performance, comedic arts, culinary traditions, and diverse cultural expressions.

    These programming initiatives were conceived as cultural preservation projects, capturing the vibrant essence of Dominican creativity while providing quality entertainment that resonates with both local and diaspora audiences. The specials achieved significant viewer engagement upon their initial releases, generating widespread appreciation for their authentic portrayal of Dominican cultural heritage.

    This strategic holiday rebroadcast serves dual purposes: introducing these cultural treasures to new audiences while offering dedicated viewers an opportunity to rediscover their favorite moments. The Christmas timing aligns with traditional periods of family gathering and cultural reflection, making the content particularly relevant for seasonal viewing.

    All three full-length programs are currently available through DNO’s digital platforms, providing on-demand access to these cultural documents that collectively form an important archive of contemporary Dominican artistic achievement. The rebroadcast initiative demonstrates media’s role in cultural conservation while leveraging digital technology to make heritage content perpetually accessible.

  • New Year’s brunch in style

    New Year’s brunch in style

    As the calendar prepares to turn to 2026, culinary enthusiasts are presented with the perfect opportunity to welcome the new year with an exquisite seafood brunch that celebrates Caribbean culinary traditions. Food expert Wendy Rahamut presents an array of sophisticated yet accessible dishes that transform locally sourced ingredients into memorable gastronomic experiences.

    The centerpiece of this culinary celebration features a salt cod and potato casserole, a reinterpretation of Caribbean salted fish that combines flaky cod with tender potatoes in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. For elevated appetizers, individual shrimp thermidors make a remarkable comeback with their luxurious Parmesan gratin topping, while spicy crab fritters offer a crispy, flavorful bite that awakens the palate.

    The menu diversity continues with a Caribbean seafood quiche that beautifully incorporates local shrimp, fresh herbs, and creamy egg custard within a flaky pre-baked crust. Each dish demonstrates how traditional techniques can be adapted for contemporary celebrations while maintaining authentic flavor profiles.

    Critical to the success of these dishes is proper technique: the shrimp thermidor requires careful temperature control to prevent curdling while achieving perfect gratinization, while the salt cod casserole demands precise soaking and preparation of the salted fish to balance flavors. The crab fritters offer flexibility with both frying and baking options, accommodating different dietary preferences.

    All ingredients highlighted in these recipes are readily available within local markets, allowing home cooks to source fresh components while supporting regional producers. The comprehensive recipes provide detailed measurements, step-by-step instructions, and alternative preparation methods to ensure successful execution for cooks of varying experience levels.

    This culinary approach not only creates an impressive New Year’s spread but also honors Caribbean food heritage through modern interpretations that maintain cultural authenticity while appealing to contemporary tastes. The combination of textures, flavors, and visual presentation makes this seafood brunch an ideal way to commence 2026 with culinary sophistication and cultural appreciation.

  • Best Dressed Plate announces Caribean culinary winners

    Best Dressed Plate announces Caribean culinary winners

    The culinary world turned its attention to Caribbean gastronomic excellence as Best Dressed Plate unveiled its honorees for the highly anticipated 2025 Caribbean Culinary Impact Awards. Now in its second edition, the awards program has significantly expanded its reach, recognizing outstanding achievements across four distinct regions: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean itself, through six competitive categories.

    Founder Nneka Nurse, who also serves as Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, revealed the strategic thinking behind this year’s expanded format. “The introduction of regional honorees acknowledges the substantial influence and numerical strength of the Caribbean diaspora in these critical markets,” Nurse explained. “This approach highlights the undeniable global reach of our cuisine while celebrating its diverse expressions across different cultural contexts.”

    The awards ceremony introduced two special recognitions this year: the Sylvia Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award and the Best Culinary Destination Award. The inaugural Sylvia Hunt honor was presented to Chris DeLarosa of Caribbean Pot, a Trinidad-born culinary pioneer based in Canada. DeLarosa received recognition for his decade-long mission to democratize Caribbean cooking for global digital audiences. Meanwhile, the Grenada Tourism Authority captured the Best Caribbean Culinary Destination award, celebrated for successfully positioning the ‘Spice Isle’ as a premier gastronomic tourism destination.

    Jamaican culinary talent demonstrated remarkable dominance across all regions, securing twelve recognitions and underscoring the island’s significant culinary export influence. Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados also delivered strong performances, reinforcing their status as culinary leaders within both the region and diaspora communities.

    Nurse emphasized the organization’s commitment to elevating Caribbean cuisine and its practitioners: “Best Dressed Plate is dedicated to honoring the men and women who not only preserve our history, legacy, and identity through their craft but also continuously innovate to position our cuisine at a global level. These awards celebrate our hardworking, innovative chefs and kitchen professionals across the Caribbean and diaspora. The moment for Caribbean cuisine has arrived, and through these awards, we aim to inspire our people while guiding global appreciation for our culinary traditions.”

    The complete list of honorees showcases the rich diversity of Caribbean culinary talent, with winners representing multiple islands and categories including Trailblazing Chef of the Year, Rising Star Chef, Best Restaurant, Excellence in Culinary Entrepreneurship, Outstanding Food Content Creator, and Best Food Truck/Pop-Up Vendor across all four recognized regions.

  • Kerby Young bridges cultures at Swahili Fashion Week

    Kerby Young bridges cultures at Swahili Fashion Week

    Trinidad and Tobago-based designer Kerby Young, originally from Guyana, achieved a remarkable cultural synthesis at Swahili Fashion Week 2025, emerging as a standout advocate for sustainable fashion practices. The prestigious event, celebrating its 18th anniversary this December in Dar Es Salaam, served as a global platform for innovative designers who prioritize environmental consciousness alongside creative expression.

    Young made history last year as the first Caribbean designer featured at this acclaimed fashion gathering. His return in 2025 proved even more impactful with ‘The Journey’ collection—a deeply personal narrative exploring his evolution from Guyanese roots to his established presence in Trinidad and Tobago through his brand, Kerby Young Designs (KYD).

    The collection drew inspiration from Santorini’s iconic color palette, featuring deep Mediterranean blues evoking tranquil waters, crisp whites reminiscent of Grecian architecture, vibrant greens mirroring lush island foliage, and rich reds symbolizing the flowers adorning Santorini’s stone structures. Beyond color, Young incorporated traditional artisan techniques including intricate tie-dyeing, sophisticated fabric manipulation, and collaborative handcrafted crochet elements through partnership with Crochet Peace.

    Each garment became a testament to cultural fusion as models moved to the rhythm of African drums accompanied by the soulful vocals of Ella Andall and the late Devon Matthews’ ‘D Journey’. The finale, set to Square One’s ‘Lala’, transformed the show into an interactive celebration that had the audience clapping along—not merely observing fashion but participating in a story of resilience and self-belief.

    The commercial response was immediate, with half the collection finding new homes in Africa. Young plans to produce additional pieces upon returning to Trinidad, though certain signature designs will remain exclusive to their Tanzanian debut.

    Reflecting on the experience, Young shared: ‘This is one I will carry with me forever. It stands as testament to never abandoning your dreams. I’m profoundly grateful for Tanzania’s warm welcome and the unwavering support from my Caribbean and Guyanese heritage.’

    The growing momentum continues with expanding social media engagement and a successful pop-up shop accompanying his showcase. Swahili Fashion Week’s commitment to sustainability provided the ideal environment for Young’s vision, creating what the designer described as ‘a wonderful bridge of cultures’ that he anticipates crossing again in future collaborations.

  • Parang With Rome keeps the culture alive

    Parang With Rome keeps the culture alive

    The sixth annual Parang With Rome festival has solidified its position as a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s Christmas celebrations, drawing over 3,000 attendees to Cipriani Labour College on December 20 for an electrifying night of cultural music and festive traditions.

    Headlined by artist Itz Rome and powered by Karma the Band, the event showcased exceptional performances from parang royalty including Eddie Charles, Crazy, Marcia Miranda, and Los Alumnos de San Juan. The evening reached a poignant milestone when Alicia Jagessar of Los Alumnos de San Juan received the Parang With Rome Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her decades of contributions to preserving and advancing the parang genre.

    The cultural experience was elevated through surprise appearances by soca superstars Nailah Blackman, Blakka Dan, Ravi B, Alison Hinds, and Iwer George, creating an innovative fusion of parang and soca that bridged generational divides and united music enthusiasts across age groups.

    Beyond the musical performances, patrons enjoyed an immersive Christmas food village featuring local seasonal delicacies, completing an authentic Trinidadian holiday experience. Event organizer Rome emphasized the festival’s mission: ‘Parang With Rome is about keeping parang alive and giving people a true Trini Christmas experience. It’s about preserving our culture, celebrating the season, and bringing generations together through music.’

    The event generated substantial social media engagement and enthusiastic crowd participation, demonstrating its growing cultural significance. With its continued expansion and profound impact on cultural preservation, the festival’s sixth installment has established new benchmarks for future Christmas celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago.