A new festival is set to bring the flavours, music, and energy of Jamaican and Caribbean culture to Moncton this summer.
Atlantic JerkFlava, happening at Riverfront Park from August 1 to 3, will feature authentic jerk cuisine, live performances, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event is free to attend.
Organizers say the festival is about more than just food—it’s an opportunity to bring communities together and highlight cultural diversity in the region.
Sheryl McGaw-Douse, director of communications for the Jamaican Canadian Association of New Brunswick (JCANB), says this is an important moment for Caribbean culture in the province.
“The diverse fabric of New Brunswick is so large, and there are so many cultures here. This is our way of bringing our culture to the forefront,” she said.
Leading up to the event, JCANB wanted to gauge interest across Atlantic Canada. They conducted a survey to gather feedback from communities, and the response was stronger than expected.
“We had people across New Brunswick, in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. who have reached out to say they are interested and they are looking forward to coming,” McGaw-Douse said.
“It may not be for the three days for everybody for sure, but we do have an interest all across the Maritimes to promote this event.”
Beyond the excitement from attendees, the festival has also sparked strong interest from vendors and volunteers.
“This is about community. It’s a chance for people to experience something new, connect with others, and celebrate culture in a way that brings everyone together,” she said.
McGaw-Douse added that there is still time for vendors to sign up, but spots are limited.
Businesses and food vendors interested in participating are encouraged to register soon.
