Celebrate Jamaican Culture at the Run-A-Boat Cultural Festival!
The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) are gearing up to bring a splash of vibrant Jamaican culture to South Florida with their annual Run-A-Boat Cultural Festival! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church, located at 2801 North University Drive in Pembroke Pines. This festival promises to be a delightful celebration of community, culture, and heritage.
A Celebration of Unity and Tradition
Rooted deeply in Jamaican tradition, the Run-A-Boat festival is all about coming together. It’s a living expression of the motto “one pot, one people,” emphasizing the importance of unity through cooking, laughter, and shared experiences. As the holiday season approaches, this event serves as a beautiful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Jamaican Diaspora.
This year’s theme, “Emerald City: Be Proud, Be Bold in Black, Green, and Gold,” pays homage to Jamaica’s national colors. Each color carries significant meaning: black symbolizes the strength and creativity of the Jamaican people, green represents the island’s lush vegetation, and gold reflects the natural beauty and richness of the land. This theme encapsulates the pride and vibrancy of Jamaicans, both at home and abroad.
Family Fun Awaits!
The festival is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—can enjoy the festivities. A lively vendor marketplace will showcase authentic Jamaican and local products, including art, crafts, jewelry, baked goods, gourmet foods, and fresh produce.
For the little ones, a Kiddies’ Corner will be a hub of excitement, featuring games, pony rides, face painting, and a bounce house. It’s the perfect place for kids to let loose and have fun while parents explore the marketplace.
Taste the Flavors of Jamaica
Food lovers will be in for a treat! Attendees can savor traditional Jamaican dishes, sip on fresh coconut water, and enjoy sweet sugar cane. The festival will also feature entertainment hosted by the charismatic Raul Blaze, who promises prizes, surprises, and plenty of dancing throughout the day.
JWOF President Michelle Williamson expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s celebration, saying, “Run-a-Boat is an event that celebrates the vibrant spirit of our Jamaican heritage and showcases our traditions, unity, and talent. Come prepared to experience the richness of the Jamaican culture: eat traditional foods, dance to lively music, and celebrate all that makes Jamaica unique!”
Supporting the Next Generation
Tickets for the festival are priced at $15 in advance and can be purchased at RUNABOAT.EVENTBRITE.COM. Children under 10 can enter for free! Proceeds from the event will benefit JWOF’s “Powerful Women…Next Generation” scholarship program, which supports women and youth in Florida and Jamaica.
Founded in 2012, the Jamaican Women of Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and youth through mentorship, education, and community service. They work tirelessly to promote Jamaican culture while fostering programs that strengthen families and communities.
So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the warmth and vibrancy of Jamaican culture? Join us at the Run-A-Boat Cultural Festival and be part of a celebration that promises to be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
