The vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of Antigua and Barbuda took centre stage in Miami as the destination showcased its signature summer celebration at Food, Wine & Fete 2026, held May 16 at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. According to Antigua.news, the event drew more than 1,500 guests and brought together members of the Caribbean diaspora, media, food enthusiasts, and cultural tastemakers for an immersive showcase of Caribbean cuisine, music, and carnival culture.
At the heart of the activation was the promotion of Antigua Carnival 2026, scheduled for July 25 to August 4 under the theme "Feel the Rhythm." Organisers transformed the Miami venue into a vibrant extension of the twin-island destination, complete with Carnival dancers representing the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, branded installations, and immersive photo experiences. The dancers showcased designs by Sechuns-The Band.
Guests experienced a full sensory event featuring signature cocktails made with English Harbour Rum, colourful festival branding, and interactive displays designed to mirror the energy of Antigua's street celebrations. A fully branded destination bar served as the centrepiece of the activation, where bartenders and Carnival performers brought the island experience to life. The Harbour Bliss cocktail — crafted with English Harbour 5-Year Rum, passionfruit, coconut water, lime juice, orange bitters, and nutmeg — quickly became a crowd favourite.
One of the most photographed features of the evening was the Carnival Wings installation, which drew long lines of guests eager to capture themed images. The destination also boosted engagement through a social media giveaway offering a trip for two to Antigua Carnival 2026, further encouraging attendees to experience the festival firsthand.
The evening concluded with a drone light show by LunaLite Drone Show, which illuminated the Miami skyline with the Antigua and Barbuda flag and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority logo, providing a dramatic finale to the night.
Dean Fenton, U.S. Director of Tourism for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said the event allowed the destination to connect authentically with audiences already engaged in Caribbean culture. "Participating in culturally relevant events like Food, Wine & Fete allows us to authentically connect with audiences who already have a deep appreciation for Caribbean culture, music, cuisine, and experiences," he said, noting the particular importance of diaspora engagement in South Florida.
Antigua Carnival, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean's premier cultural festivals, will feature 12 days of parades, soca and calypso competitions, J'ouvert celebrations, steelpan performances, and street parties across St. John's when it returns this summer.
Organisers say Antigua and Barbuda's participation in Miami reflects a broader strategy to promote the destination through immersive cultural storytelling and experiential tourism ahead of the peak summer travel season.
