“It’s not a fête unless you sweat!” That was the declaration of Octavia Yearwood to a very sweaty crowd, and she was right. Hundreds packed into Richardson Park for PrideFête on Saturday night, and you could see, hear, and smell the Caribbean culture wrapping around you.

The third annual event celebrating LGBTQ culture was a joyously loud and colorfully costumed affair. Hundreds of islands and dozens of countries comprise the Caribbean archipelago. Pridefête brought them all together to celebrate their commonalities and their uniqueness.The stage and dance area were the loudest and happiest places in Wilton Manors. 

Yearwood held court while a DJ played some of the hottest tracks to come out of the Caribbean. There was a dance contest with twerking and abs were on full display.The aroma of jerk spices and grilled meats and vegetables drew a crowd to the food stand which was, conveniently, located right across from the bar.

Though only in its third year, PrideFête has become a staple on the summer calendar. Despite constant heat and the near-constant threat of thunderstorms, it’s hard to hold an outdoor event. But this event has taken on importance, in that it celebrates the LGBTQ diaspora, which is filled with people who are often persecuted in their native islands.

“PrideFête was splendid,” Jameer Baptiste, Hotspots’ Event Division Director, said. “While tending to the event duties, it warmed my heart seeing couples embrace affectionately, enjoying the Caribbean entertainment and dancing the night away.”