LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. — More than 700 attendees gathered at Lauderdale Lakes Middle School on Saturday, June 7, for the second annual Island SPACE Mango Festival presented by Grace Foods. A celebration of the beloved tropical fruit, the event featured a full day of flavorful fun, interactive workshops and cultural engagement designed for the whole family.
Julies, Keitts, Irwins and more—mango lovers had their pick at the Island SPACE Mango Festival, presented by Grace Foods. (Photo: Hannah Gulics / Island SPACE)Hosted by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, Broward’s only mango festival highlighted the mango’s rich culinary and cultural significance, while offering a dynamic schedule of entertainment and community connection. Support for the event was also provided by the Community Foundation of Broward, the Broward County Cultural Division, the City of Lauderdale Lakes, the Broward Supervisor of Elections, Broward Meat and Fish, the Florida Immigrant Coalition and JN Money.
Flavor, Culture and Community on Full Display
Festival goers were treated to center court activities emceed by Island SPACE President David Muir, with upbeat tracks by DJ Mega keeping the energy high throughout the day. Guests enjoyed recipe demos by celebrity Chef Thia, who prepared a spicy mango salsa served with Grace Plantation Chips and a mango mint refresher—both earning enthusiastic responses from the crowd.
Mango Sommelier Djamil Ninsoo conducted exotic mango tastings at multiple points during the day, offering attendees a chance to experience the fruit’s diverse flavor profiles and origins. The Bazaar, Tasty Lane and Artisan Village were buzzing as visitors sipped, snacked and shopped their way through more than 20 vendors offering mango-infused treats, handmade goods, jewelry, fashion and tropical treasures.
Featured vendors included Frost Daiquiri and Company Inc., Bread Xpressions, Spud’s Coffee, Gerda’s Gourmet Catering, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Bran Brie Co., Rudz Catering, and La Veranda. Artisan goods were offered by Oelegance, Kumasi Street, Jackie Buckley, Ginger T Clothing, Ruky Designs, Mawon, Kultural Kard Games, Manifest Jewelz, J Cash and Soap King LLC.
Education Through Engagement
The day’s educational lineup included five engaging workshops covering everything from mango cultivation to its health and cosmetic benefits. Leary Mullings led a session on the stages of mango tree growth and planting, while Dwight Robinson joined virtually to discuss tree grafting techniques. Nick Bernal offered a global view on mango varieties and Dr. Laurent explored the fruit’s nutritional value. Jackie Buckley rounded out the lineup with insights into mango-based skincare.
The event also featured kid-friendly attractions including face painting and a coloring corner, making the festival a fun and educational outing for families. Raffles, giveaways, and spontaneous acappella performances added to the community-focused atmosphere, while lucky guests took home mini mango trees and Grace Foods gift baskets.
Community Leaders Join the Celebration
The festival drew several public officials and community leaders from across South Florida. Among the VIP guests were State Rep. Lisa Dunkley, Broward County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers, Visit Lauderdale’s Vice President of Multicultural Business and Community Engagement Neki Mohan, and Jamaicans.com founder Xavier Murphy. Representatives from the cities of Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Sunrise, Plantation, Miramar, and Miami Gardens also joined the festivities.
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum thanks its sponsors, partners, vendors, and attendees for making the 2025 Mango Festival an unforgettable community experience. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.
To see more of the Island SPACE Mango Festival, view our Island SPACE Mango Festival 2025 Facebook gallery.
