ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA MANGO FESTIVAL

The twin island of Antigua and Barbuda is known for its Beaches and Antigua Black Pineapple, but on August 10th the king of tropical fruit, Mango, will be in the spotlight at the Christian Valley Annual Mango Festival at the Christian Valley Agricultural Station. This year’s fest is hosted by The Ministry of Agriculture Lands Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs and The Ministry of Tourism.

Sweet, juicy, versatile and delicious mangoes of every size and type will be the focus of Antigua and Barbuda’s ninth annual Mango Festival, which will be held on August 10th. The Mango Festival offers every imaginable mango-made delight, from soaps and preserves to candles and wine. A mango market, mango products, exhibitions, culinary cook off finals, children’s activities, games, mango-eating competitions, tours of the nature trails and other entertainment will be available at the festival.

Preceding the main event on the 10th August, a Mango Menu Culinary Cook Off competition for professional hotel chefs and bartenders from around the island will be held. The event will also feature cooking demonstrations of techniques and recipes using mangoes. The preliminary Mango Culinary Cook off Competition will be hosted under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Tourism on the 2nd August at the Ministry of Agriculture Grounds on Independence drive, starting at 10am.

The Festival also promotes economic opportunities through the sustainable use of the mango, and educates participants on the many benefits of the much-loved fruit.

Known as the “king of fruit” throughout the world, mangoes were brought to the West Indies by Portuguese traders. In some cultures, the mango tree is a symbol of love, and the fruit is known to be bursting with flavor as well as protective nutrients including vitamin C and beta carotene.

To be part of this year’s Mango Festival, collect a registration form at the Ministries Headquarters on Independence Drive. Deadline for registration is 25th July 2014. For more information, contact the committee at 562-7439 or 764-8843.