Tucked away on the lush waterfront grounds of the historic Deering Estate in Cutler Bay, Florida, the Deering Seafood Festival served up a perfect storm of flavor, culture, and community. I made the trip on a tip from @alfredmontaner, who said it was a must, and he wasn’t wrong. This festival wasn’t just about seafood—it was a full-on celebration of South Florida’s coastal heritage. From the second I stepped onto the property, I was greeted by the scent of sizzling conch fritters, grilled lobster, and key lime everything, all set against a backdrop of bay breezes and live music.
Coincidentally, the festival landed on the same weekend as @MinorcanMullet’s birthday shenanigans, so energy and chaos were already high. But somehow, the Deering Festival brought a balance—a laid-back vibe where you could sip a cold beer under the palms one minute, and dive into an oxtail-stuffed empanada the next. It wasn’t just Florida flavors either—there were rich Caribbean notes everywhere: spicy Bahamian stews, Haitian griot, and fresh ceviches that reminded me why I love this part of the world.
But what truly made this festival unforgettable wasn’t just the food—it was the soul of it all. The rhythms of a Bahamian Junkanoo band echoed through the property, bringing bursts of color and sound that pulled everyone into the party. Stilt walkers from the Virgin Islands towered over the crowd, dancing with kids, posing for selfies, and giving the entire day a dreamlike, cultural carnival feel. This wasn’t just a stop on the map—this was an experience. One I’m glad I didn’t miss.
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