Food Festivals hold memories and allow food traditions to be cherished and kept. African American and Caribbean food festival share historical history and allow people to come together to celebrate the history and the importance of food. These festivals are a representation of what African Americans and Caribbeans have eaten and cherished for generations. African Americans valuing soul food while Caribbeans carried on the traditions of eating sea food and fruits. It can be said that both of these traditional dishes owe their origins to the dark history of slavery. History has allowed for Afro- Caribbeans and African Americans to continue and share their food traditions with one another for generations upon generations. And one way that they have been able to share their culture is through food festivals.
Food Festivals: Bermuda
May is the month of celebration for Bermudians where they celebrate their food and show appreciation for all aspects of their culture. Bermuda Day became an official holiday for Afro-Bermudians was 1979 of May. Bermuda Day is marking the unofficial start of summer and is the day to commemorate the increase of the temperature. However food is a prominent figure in Bermudian festivals. Food such as fish chowder, fish cakes and rum cakes are what’s mainly served and savored at festivals. Considering the fact that the drinking age in
Bermuda is eighteen there are dishes such as rum cake that most are
allowed to have. Alon with food there are Gombeys, a traditional Bermudian dance that highlights traditional African, Caribbean, British and Native American cultures. This style of dance includes mask and drums that helps allow Afro-Bermudians express their identity.
2024 Bermuda Tourism Authority
Food Festivals: African Americans
African American food festivals have become a fundamental part of African American history for generations. One festival in particular is the Pittsburg Soul Food Festival. The tradition of soul food has been passed down through generations through festivals, Christmas, thanksgiving and cookouts. Soul food typically consists of collard greens, fried chicken, corn bread, and macaroni and cheese. While Bermuda Day is an old tradition, soul food festivals are relatively new. Pittsburg Soul Food Festival started in 2019, and the festival has become increasingly popular since then, with thousands of people attending each year. As a celebration of Black culture, the Pittsburgh Soul Food Festival has become a destination for tourists around the world. At these soul food festivals there is live music, barbeque contest, vendors and crafts.
Afro-Caribbean and African American festivals There are many similarities and many differences between Bermudan and African American food festivals. Both festivals feature traditional cuisine, music, and dance. However, the Bermudan festival is more organized and structured, while the African American festival is more informal and spontaneous. Food in Bermudian festivals heavily consists of sea food and fresh fruit as well as many different other cultural foods. Food and culture are celebrated at both festivals.
© 2024 Celebrity Cruises®, Inc. Ships’ Registry: Malta and Ecuador.
Gombeys In Action
https://www.facebook.com/corpstgeorge/videos/st-georges-seafood-festivalwhenseptember-17-2023-until-september-17-2023from-120/328759666215677/
Work Cited
Festivals & holidays. (n.d.). Go to Bermuda. https://www.gotobermuda.com/our-island/festivals-holidays
Graham, L. (2024, September 12). Learning to love soul food. Southern Living. https://www.southernliving.com/culture/learning-to-love-soul-food