Nevis Mango Festival 2024 – 10 Years!
The Nevis Mango Festival officially launched its 10th anniversary celebrations with a special Inaugural Evening event held at the Nevis Botanical Gardens on Thursday, July 4. The milestone event marked a decade of celebrating Nevis’ rich agricultural heritage, culinary creativity, and growing appeal as a cultural tourism destination.
The launch brought together tourism officials, local stakeholders, chefs, creatives, and invited guests to preview an expanded lineup of activities planned for the 2024 staging of the festival. This year’s program reflects the festival’s continued evolution and its increasing importance to Nevis’ tourism and economic landscape.
Official Launch by Nevis Premier
Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration, the Honourable Mark Brantley, formally declared the 10th Nevis Mango Festival open. He praised the organizing committee for broadening the scope of events and enhancing the festival’s signature experiences.
The Premier highlighted several improvements planned for the festival’s main attraction, For the Love of Mangoes, which will be held at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park. These upgrades are designed to improve crowd flow, comfort, and overall guest experience while maintaining the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Enhancements to the Signature Event
Key additions and improvements to For the Love of Mangoes include:
- A dedicated VIP area known as the Mango Lounge
- Hydration stations throughout the venue
- Multiple entrances and designated exits for smoother access
- A cap on ticket sales to enhance comfort and safety
- Fifty local chefs preparing a wide range of mango-inspired dishes
- A chefs’ competition showcasing culinary creativity
- A Mango Concert featuring local musical artists
According to Premier Brantley, these enhancements are expected to elevate the experience for patrons attending the Sunday finale, ensuring a memorable celebration of Nevis’ most beloved fruit.
A Festival Rooted in Community and Culture
Premier Brantley emphasized that while the Nevis Mango Festival continues to gain international attention, it remains deeply rooted in local participation. He noted that the event has become a core component of Nevis’ tourism product by highlighting the island’s talent, creativity, and hospitality.
Local involvement is central to the festival’s success, from the farmers who grow the mangoes to the chefs, entrepreneurs, and creatives who transform them into unique culinary and cultural experiences. The Premier encouraged residents and visitors alike to come out and enjoy the festival as a shared community celebration.
Tourism Authority Highlights Festival Growth
Chief Executive Officer of the Nevis Tourism Authority, Mr. Devon Liburd, welcomed guests and reflected on the festival’s journey over the past decade. He outlined how the event has grown from a small agricultural celebration into a multi-day festival with regional and international appeal.
Mr. Liburd noted that as the festival reaches its 10th anniversary, the Tourism Authority is seeing strong momentum in achieving its objectives. These goals extend beyond entertainment and include meaningful economic and promotional benefits for the island.
- Promoting local agriculture and mango production
- Increasing international exposure for Nevis
- Encouraging inter-island and intra-regional travel
- Generating revenue for local entrepreneurs
- Supporting the wider Nevisian economy
Culinary Showcase and Entertainment
The Inaugural Evening featured a culinary highlight hosted by celebrity chef Shorne Benjamin, who led a master chef class focused on creative uses of mangoes in modern cuisine. The demonstration offered guests insight into innovative techniques while celebrating local flavors.
The evening concluded with live local entertainment and a tasting experience that included a variety of mango-infused dishes and beverages. These samples provided a preview of the culinary creativity visitors can expect throughout the festival weekend.
Full Schedule of Nevis Mango Festival 2024
The Nevis Mango Festival continued with a packed schedule of events designed to showcase the island’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture:
- Mango Mania at the Indian Castle Fruit Orchard on Friday, July 5
- Beach Bar Crawl along Pinney’s Beach on Friday, July 5
- An island-wide food tour on Saturday, July 6
- Four Seasons Mango Restaurant Supper Club on Saturday, July 6
- The grand finale, For the Love of Mangoes, on Sunday, July 7
As the Nevis Mango Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, the expanded program underscores the event’s role as a signature celebration of Nevisian culture, agriculture, and hospitality.