Rain and wind didnt stop the annual celebration of Caribbean heritage in New Haven.

For the fourth year, immigrants representing more than 25 island nations of the Caribbean gathered at DeGale Field in Goffe Street Park to celebrate their history and culture through music, dance, and food at their Caribbean American Heritage Festival.

It has been tremendous trying to put this together, Karaine Kay Smith-Holness said Sunday. And is officially National Carribean-American Heritage month. And four years ago we actually had a conversation with Mayor Harp and she said, why dont we do something about it. And this is what weve done.

The Caribbean nationals have been in New Haven since the 1600s and it started with St. Kitts and Nevis, Smith-Holness told attendees. And if you ever know anything about St. LukesSt. Lukes is the first Caribbean church here in New Haven. So what we are trying to do as an organization is to keep our culture alive while we are here in the City of New Haven.

Students from the Hamden Academy of Dance showed off their moves while the wind and rain whipped their costumes, and author Vangella Hazle Buchanan, a professor from Central Connecticut State University, read excerpts from her book.

Smith-Holness, already thinking about next June, told attendees to bring a friend, tell a friend and a friend and a friend.

For the fourth year, immigrants representing more than 25 island nations of the Caribbean gathered at DeGale Field in Goffe Street Park to celebrate their history and culture through music, dance, and food at their Caribbean Heritage Festival.

I wonder how many of these people in these pictures Identify with African-Caribbeans or British African-Caribbean people?

One of my favorite events! Kay and her crew pulled off this event with great success! Rain or shine! I love this Caribbean meet-up! They embrace their African roots, celebrate their British and Canadian roots and happily share it all with us New Haveners! When you attend the festival you see the celebration of the strong and proud diaspora connection of the islands. It is a beautiful thing to see! Everyone should come out and take in this rich celebration of culture and history!

What does the title Curries Goat Vanishes mean?

[Ed: That that delicacy sold out fast at the event.]

The curried goat would have disappeared even quicker if I was there, which I plan to be next year.

Well said, Babz Rawls Ivy.

Read more:

Caribbean Heritage Festival Turns 4 - New Haven Independent