Crowds Flock to Celebrate Food, Culture, and Family Fun at 19th Annual Deering Seafood Festival
By Julia Franklin
Under a sunny South Florida sky, the 19th Annual Deering Seafood Festival welcomed thousands of guests today to the historic Deering Estate for a full day of vibrant culture, fresh seafood, and family-friendly fun. Hosted by the Deering Estate Foundation and presented by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, this year’s festival proved once again why it remains one of South-Dade’s most anticipated springtime traditions.
From the moment the gates opened, guests were immersed in an atmosphere of island enchantment. Steel drum duos set the tone at the entrance, while stilt walkers and the Junkanoo band paraded through the grounds, kicking off the day’s festivities with Caribbean flair.
The main stage came alive with high-energy performances from Caribbean Music Farm—whose infectious rhythms had festivalgoers dancing in droves.
The heart of the festival, of course, was the seafood. Dozens of vendors served up South Florida’s best oceanic flavors with dishes from Golden Rule Seafood, Antigua Barbuda, Conch Mania, Popos Seafood, and many others. Accompanying the culinary delights were beverages from Eagle Brands, offering craft beer, premium spirits, and tropical frozen cocktails courtesy of Bombarda Rum, Azteca Azul Tequila, and Q Mixers.
One of the day’s signature attractions, the Chef Demo Tent, drew large crowds eager to learn new seafood recipes from top chefs. Attendees were treated to live cooking demonstrations by acclaimed culinary artists including Chef Hector Pagan of bartaco, Chef Kenneth Molyneaux of Tortola, Chef Pedro Mederos of Kojin 2.0, Chef Omar Martinez of Naked Taco, and student chefs William Assee and Adrian Mangano—winners of the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management’s culinary competition. Throughout the day, FIU hospitality students served as sous chefs, assisting in the preparation and presentation of each dish.
Children and families enjoyed a variety of activities in the Spring Fun Kid’s Zone, presented by Kiddos Magazine. The area included an art station, Easter egg hunt, toddler play zone, games, and educational activities. Deering Discovery Cove returned with nature-focused learning experiences, reinforcing the Estate’s year-round commitment to environmental education.
Those seeking adventure could hop aboard the Pelican Skipper for pontoon boat rides to Chicken Key, offering a scenic view of Biscayne Bay and a peaceful escape from the onshore excitement. Meanwhile, Artists Lane showcased unique crafts, paintings, and jewelry from local artisans. There was something for everyone.
