3 Caribbean Mango Festivals That Offer Fun For Everyone
So, you love the idea of the posh Jade Mountain Mango Festival that we told you about recently. At the same time, though, you don’t quite have the budget for all that luxury. Never fear. Several other Caribbean mango festivals are held each mango season. Naturally, they’re all packed with fun and filling activities. More importantly for budget-minded travelers, though, these mangofests fit most any budget.
St Croix Mango Melee
You know we’re going to be biased about this one, considering it’s held every year on our home island of St Croix. The event goes down at the St. George Village Botanical Garden. Normally, the Garden provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can learn all about the island’s vibrant tropical flora and history. You can also explore restored buildings and ruins of an 18th century sugar cane plantation and an Amerindian settlement that dates back to c.100 A.D.
During Mango Melee, however, the vibe is decidedly more upbeat and festive. This is fueled in part by the many wildly inventive mango-themed cocktails on offer for the grown-ups. A lively kids mango-eating contest further amps up the atmosphere. Cooking competitions, mango displays and educational workshops round-out a full day of mango fun.
St Croix Mango Melee is held annually in July. The entry fee is usually around $10. Kids five and under enter free.
For more information, visit the St. George Village Botanical Garden website.
Trinidad & Tobago International Mango Festival
More bias!. This time, though, we’re tapping our Trini roots.
T&T MangoFest experienced its share of growing pains in its early years. Still, it sounds like good fun, with horse and pony rides, and games. “Mango-sucking and “smell and name the mango” contests sound particularly interesting to me as both speak to the truest of West Indian sensibilities.
Held annually in July, the Trinidad and Tobago International Mango Festival is produced by Trinidad’s Network of Rural Women Producers and the Ministry of Agriculture. More details here.
Nevis Mango Festival
St Kitts’ tiny sister island is home to more mango varieties (44) than square miles (36)! For one weekend each year in July, this delicious coincidence is celebrated to the max. Chefs and mixologists take part in spirited cooking and mixology competitions. All recipes feature Nevis’ many varied mango flavors, of course, giving guests the opportunity to experience the Caribbean’s favorite fruit as never before.
Visit the Nevis Mango Festival website for more details.
