Jerk has always been an integral part of the Caribbean as far back as documented history has allowed. Jerk enhanced the taste of food and preserved the food that allowed for the health and survival of Africans and Aboriginal people in the Caribbean. Therefore, the annual celebration of such an iconic part of Caribbean history is consequential. 

The Florida Jerk Festival provides the opportunity for such a celebration. On Monday, May 30, 2022, the event will be from 3 PM to 11 PM at John Prince Park (2700 6th Ave S, Lake Worth Beach, FL 3346).

The festival has been rebranded as the Florida Jerk Festival, and it is a combination of the Palm Beach and Orlando Jerk Festivals. The event promises to be just as entertaining, fun, and delicious as both Jerk festivals have been over the years. Patrons will have the opportunity to taste all the ingredients that come with a Jerked food item. The mixture of pimento, scotch bonnet, scallion, cayenne pepper, thyme, and others will bring taste buds on a thrilling journey. 

This year promises to be an amazing event. This is the 2nd Florida Jerk Festival since the pandemic. Last year saw the likes of international superstar Shaggy and the turnouts of roughly 10,000 people. This year we will have dancehall powerhouse Cham, renowned entertainer Ding Dong, with the energy of Soca sensation Destra Garcia, and Jamaica’s legendary and premiere Reggae and Soca show band Fab 5! 

The Florida Jerk Festival encompasses  top entertainment representing different parts of Caribbean culture and food that represents the best of the Caribbean.

 The Florida Jerk Festival offers an interactive kid’s zone so the whole family can enjoy free food samples, the Jerk Cook-Off competition, a Cabana service for patrons to relax in while enjoying the event, and much more. 

According to Damian Tater, CEO of Full-A -Vybez Ent, producers of the Florida Jerk Festival, there will be a plethora of things to enjoy, even Jerk Ice Cream! “When it comes to the Jerk Festival, it’s all about experiencing different food that can be jerked! That’s why we are encouraging everybody to come out to experience different and great tasting food that we have on display….. Jerk Ice Cream is one of them.” In addition, Tater shares that VIPs will also receive an exclusive & exclusive menu that includes even Jerk lobster. Tater promises variety, diversity, and unique dishes not generally seen at Jerk Festivals.

Growing from the Palm Beach and Orlando Festivals to becoming the Florida Jerk Festival, the event has spanned 19 years in total and has grown from strength to strength. Tater shares that “it has been a long 19 years, and we have survived this through determination and hunger. Unfortunately, we are not really getting much support from corporate, but we believe in our brand, and we’re working so hard to push through and deliver a powerful festival brand.

One of the co-hosts, Charmain Fenton, shares that she “believes the Festival gives a lot of brand exposure and highlights the Caribbean countries represented by vendors from all over the Caribbean who participate.” 

Nicky Gelin, a co-host for the Jerk-Off competition, commented on the reason for the longevity and success of the Jerk Festival. Gelin stated that “food is therapy for the soul, and adding “jerk” elevates it to another level. The food also brings the community together.”

Tater promised that “everybody who attends the event between 3:00 and 5:00 PM gets to sample free jerk items and free whiskey samples, so just come out! You don’t want to miss it! Kids under 12 are free, so you have no excuse! On Memorial Day, there is no work, Nuff Jerk! So come for the food and stay for the fun!”

For more information on the Florida Jerk Festival and to purchase tickets, visithttps://floridajerkfestival.com/.