The Barbados Food & Rum Festival
stands as a celebration of the island’s
culinary prowess and storied rum
heritage, offering a tantalising gastronomic
adventure like no other. What began in 2009 as
the Barbados Food & Wine Festival has evolved
into a month-long extravaganza, expertly
curated by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Initially launched in partnership with Travel +
Leisure, the festival embraced its rum legacy in
2016, rebranding as the Barbados Food & Rum
Festival. This transformation honoured Barbados’
indigenous spirit and the island’s storied history
as the birthplace of rum.
Over the years, the festival has grown in both
size and scope. Today, it is an eagerly anticipated
event, turning October into a month-long
gastronomic celebration. The festival draws a
global audience, featuring a mix of local and
international chefs, renowned rum distilleries,
and culinary personalities.
In 2022, the festival returned after a two-year
hiatus with a new theme, “Feed the Future,” and
a partnership with Condé Nast. New events such
as the Junior Chef Cook Off Series, Rise and
Rum-The Breakfast Beach Party, and Liquid
Gold Feast quickly became festival favourites. For
2024, attendees can look forward to the Bajan
Fair, a family-friendly event that promises to add
a new dimension to the festival.
SUSTAINABILITY AND LOCAL
SUPPORT
The Barbados Food & Rum Festival is deeply
committed to celebrating and highlighting
local culinary talents. Award-winning chefs
and mixologists showcase their skills at
highly-anticipated events, while community
pop-ups bring the festival’s flavours directly to
neighbourhoods across the island. Moreover, the
festival prioritises sustainability and supporting