The second edition of Caribbean Days, organized by the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (CCCE), took place at the Renaissance Brussels Hotel from June 17 to 24, bringing together numerous representatives from the public and private sectors in Europe’s capital. Caribbean Days, featuring a series of business and cultural events, aims to elevate the Caribbean’s prominence by showcasing ‘The Best of the Caribbean’. The event highlights premium Caribbean exports such as rum, coffee, and cocoa, alongside creative industries including art, cuisine, literature, poetry, music, and dance.
The festivities commenced on Monday, June 17, with the Union of Belgium’s Bartenders (UBB) National Cocktail Competition. Larry Godefroid emerged as the winner, securing a spot in the upcoming World Championships organized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) later this year. The opening ceremony, officiated by Ambassador Colin Connelly of Trinidad & Tobago, was attended by Ambassador Patrick Herman of the Kingdom of Belgium for the Americas & Caribbean, and the CARIFORUM Group of Ambassadors in Brussels (GCAB), marking the start of Caribbean Culinary Week. Award-winning celebrity Chef Orlando from St. Lucia curated a special four-course Caribbean Gourmet Menu, served at The Poet restaurant in Renaissance Brussels throughout the week until Sunday, June 23.
On Thursday, June 20, a special Caribbean Poetry & Cocktail Workshop paid tribute to four Nobel Prize-winning writers from the region. Prof. Bénédicte Ledent of the University of Liège, supported by Lansman publishing house, presented and read excerpts from their renowned works. Friday, June 21, saw guests at The Poet enjoying a live musical performance by Pancho’s steelpan in celebration of Fête de la Musique. The inaugural Caribbean Gala Dinner & Dance on Saturday, June 22, at Renaissance Brussels Ballroom offered an enchanting evening with surprise entertainment for over 100 attendees. The closing festivities on Sunday, June 23, included the National Latin Dance Competition & Workshops organized by BeSalsa.be.
Throughout Caribbean Days, participants, visitors, and guests of Renaissance Brussels had the chance to engage in a unique Caribbean Competition with prizes such as a week’s holiday in the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean cruise, and free weekend tickets to Europe’s largest Caribbean Music Festival. Jo Spalburg, Secretary and Executive Director of CCCE, expressed enthusiasm: “We are delighted that the concept of Caribbean Days, introduced two years ago, has taken root in Brussels. We remain committed to establishing these activities as annual fixtures not only in Brussels but also in other European capitals, aiming to enhance the Caribbean’s profile and foster new business opportunities for trade and investment.” CCCE extends gratitude to Renaissance Brussels and sponsors of Caribbean Days, including House of Angostura, HTJ Tax, Orlando’s Restaurant & Bar, and Tobago Gold. Generous partners contributing prizes for the Caribbean Days Competition include Air Europa, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Star Clippers Cruises, and Antilliaanse Feesten.
