A Culinary Extravaganza July 11, 2025
by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The eleventh edition of the Nevis Mango Festival officially launched on July 3, 2025, at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, marking the start of a four-day celebration of the island’s emblematic fruit.
This year’s festival, running until July 6, promises a vibrant array of culinary experiences, cultural immersion, and family-friendly activities.
A Journey from Concept to Culinary Phenomenon
Phéon Jones, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Nevis Tourism Authority and Interim Administrator for the Nevis Mango Festival, reflected on the extensive preparations for the event.
“Now I must admit it has been a very long road to get here today. The team has been working for months, I dare say a year, to get the Mango Festival together. And I just want to start by saying that we have a juicy, well-filled weekend that you can look forward to. You are going to experience nothing short of Nevisian heritage, culture, and of course, mangoes.”
Jones acknowledged the visionaries behind the festival’s inception over a decade ago, including former Nevis Tourism Authority CEOs Greg Phillip and Devon Liburd, as well as team members Julie Claxton, Tracy Fraser, and Charmaine Jeffers.
He humorously recounted the brainstorming session that birthed the idea: “From what I understand, they were in the boardroom having the usual back and forth, and it lasted a couple of hours. There were many, many great ideas that were thrown out. I think I heard a pork and beer festival. I think I heard a fish festival. And after minutes, hours of deliberation, they were tired and hungry. And someone took out a mango, and the rest is history.”
He also extended gratitude to Premier Mark Brantley for his instrumental role in implementing the festival.
A Packed Schedule of Mango-Infused Delights
The festival’s itinerary is diverse, designed to engage all the senses and cater to all ages.
Immediately following the launch, a panel discussion led by celebrity Chef Bryant Terry focused on healthy living and a good lifestyle, a unique educational component for a festival of this kind.
Jones lauded this initiative, stating, “I’m a bit excited because this festival is one of the only festivals in my mind that starts with an educational piece to it. So I just want to say kudos to the members of the team and the planning committee. Job well done on that.”
The festivities continue on July 4, with a masterclass by Chef Bryant Terry at Ubrenta, where participants will learn to prepare innovative mango-themed dishes.
“I must admit, I’ve seen that there’s no more spots available. So clearly, we’re going to have a good time,” Jones remarked, inviting the public to attend still and observe.
Later that day, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mango Mania will feature a spirited mango stoning competition, tug-of-war, a mango eating contest, and a mixologist competition, alongside music and food.
The evening will transition to Pinney’s Beach for a “mango crawl,” where attendees can sample mango-infused cocktails at various beach bars.
Saturday, July 5, offers a unique “passport food tour,” an island tour with a twist, visiting seven local “mom and pop stores” offering mango-infused dishes.
This immersive experience, likened to a “safari or party bus,” will allow participants to sample a diverse range of local cuisines.
The day culminates in an exclusive, three-course mango-centric dinner prepared by Chef Bryant Terry at the picturesque Golden Rock Inn, an event that is already fully booked.
The festival’s grand finale, “For the Love of Mangoes,” takes place on Sunday, July 6, at Malcolm Guishard Park.
This signature event will feature up to 50 sample chefs, a VIP-curated experience, and the return of the Mango Concert, headlined by Abena Amri.
The day promises fun for all ages, with a children’s play zone and ample opportunities to sample diverse mango creations, showcasing “Nevisian culture and cuisine.”
A Catalyst for Tourism and Economic Growth
John Hanley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, emphasised the festival’s growth and significance.
“It is my distinct pleasure to be here at the official opening of the 11th edition of the Nevis Mango Festival. We noticed that over the years, the festival has expanded and improved, and it is now one of the signature summer offerings in the Federation of St. Kitts.”
He highlighted the festival’s place within a vibrant summer calendar, following the St. Kitts Music Festival and preceding St. Kitts and Nevis Restaurant Week and Culturama. Hanley noted the festival’s impressive trajectory, with over 3,000 attendees at the 10th edition, and expressed confidence that this year’s event would exceed previous attendance levels.
Hanley joined Phéon Jones in commending the steering committee, the Nevis Tourism Authority staff, and the Ministry of Tourism for their collaborative efforts, as well as acknowledging the vital support of sponsors, including SKNANB Group.
He reiterated the diverse experiences available, from the mango-eating contest to the exclusive supper club, and praised Chef Bryant Terry’s participation.
“We are, of course, delighted to have celebrated and world-renowned celebrity chef, Bryant Terry, to share his enormous experience with us here in Nevis. His focus on plant-based cuisine is quite attention-getting and topical, given the current strong interest in healthy eating,” Hanley stated.
The festival’s core objective, as stated by Jones, remains to “encourage heads in beds or persons to come to need a tourist on the shoulder months, which is the slow season.”
He confidently asserted that the festival has reached a “crossroad where we are bringing in persons from all over the world,” noting attendees from Africa, Australia, and growing interest from India, alongside established visitors from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the Caribbean.
Hanley concluded by officially declaring the Nevis Mango Festival 2025 open, underscoring its role in promoting local agriculture and product development within the tourism sector.