Barbados celebrates a new edition of the Food and Rum Festival with a focus on sustainability and gastronomic culture
From November 6 to 9, the island will host one of the most outstanding culinary events in the Caribbean, which seeks its third consecutive recognition as the Best Gastronomic Festival in the region
Bridgetown, Barbados – October 30, 2025. The countdown has begun for the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, taking place from November 6 to 9, further solidifying the island's position as a leader in gastronomy, culture, and sustainability. Under the slogan "Help Yourself! Barbados is on the Menu," the event reaffirms the destination's commitment to culinary innovation and strengthening the local agri-food sector.
Recognized by the World Culinary Awards as the Caribbean's Best Food Festival in 2023 and 2024, the event aims to win the award for the third consecutive year. According to Cheryl Carter, Director of Operations for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), this edition “embodies the mastery of our chefs, the community spirit, and the innovation that make Barbados the culinary capital of the Caribbean.”
Among the main new features is the Community Cook-Off Competition, a free competition that will bring together local cooks from all over the island on November 7 in Queen's Park, highlighting community culinary talent.
The festival schedule includes the Rum Route – South, which begins on November 7 at Pelican Island; the Rise and Rum Breakfast Beach Party on November 8 at the Copacabana Beach Club; and the Rum Route – North, which begins that same day in Speightstown, St. Peter. The event will culminate with the “Liquid Gold” Banquet on November 9 at CARIFESTA House, where renowned chefs, mixologists, and local producers will gather.
For Carol Roberts, executive director of the Barbados National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and producer of the festival, “this celebration pays homage to the island’s culinary traditions, while promoting innovation and reinforcing a commitment to a sustainable future.” The “Farm to Fork” approach will be present at all events, highlighting the role of local farmers and producers.
The island's air connectivity facilitates the arrival of international visitors, with direct flights operated by Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, Air Canada, WestJet, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air Caraibes, Condor and KLM, in addition to regional connections with Caribbean Airlines, LIAT-AIR, WINAIR, Surinam Airways and InterCaribbean Airways.
With a program that merges gastronomy, culture and hospitality, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival 2025 reaffirms the island as the culinary epicenter of the Caribbean and a destination of excellence for lovers of the good life.