Unifest celebrates 23 Years of bridging cultures

The multi-cultural Caribbean festival Unifest is celebrating its 23^nd year in Broward County this year.

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Unifest, which coincides with June Caribbean Heritage month, will highlight the Virgin Island as they celebrate 100 years of separation from Denmark.

“This year’s event and our ‘Many Islands One People’ theme is a fitting way to share our culture, music, art, food and way of life”, says Mayor Hazelle Rogers.  UNIFEST kicks off with the sports day on Saturday May 20^th from 5-10pm at the Lauderhill Sports Park. The Caribbean American Soccer Association (CASA) soccer tournament will have teams vie for the Hazelle Rogers Challenge Trophy and the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition will sponsor the Barbara Robinson-Sinclair trophy for the Saints/NYSA Netball Tournament.

On Sunday May 21^st from 12 noon to 11pm, the sights and sounds of the Caribbean comes alive at Vincent Torres Park in Lauderdale Lakes – featuring a cultural explosion, carnival style parade, to include the Mocko Jumbies, stilt dancers representing the US Virgin Islands, celebration of countries with the parade of flags presentation featuring Haiti and celebrating Haitian flag day, battle of the marching bands, with visiting band from Jamaica, kid’s corner featuring storytelling, Florida Lottery Caribbean Heritage essay competition, cultural display of artifacts, arts and crafts and domino.  Unifest also features a health and business expo, Caribbean Consuls Village and the Caribbean Bar answering immigration questions. “Unifest also extends to Our Caribbean Heritage cultural displays at the Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill & the African American Research libraries, that’s the uniqueness of this event”, boast chairman Mario Zamora.

UNIFEST concert will kick off with the popular Teen Sensation competition showcasing the talents of teens 14-19 years.  Concert under the Stars follows with the likes of Romain Virgo, Singing Melody, IKAYA, Terry Lyons, Prophet Benjamin, Phil Watkins and Arria the 2016 Teen Sensation winner.

UNIFEST is presented by the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition in partnership with the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, the City of Lauderdale Lakes and Broward Community and Family Health Centers.