The countdown is on for one of the Caribbean’s sweetest celebrations as the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards Festival takes over ALEEZE Convention Center & Event Hall this weekend on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26.
Bringing together the region’s finest bakers, pastry artistes, culinary entrepreneurs and food lovers, the festival will transform St. Maarten into the Caribbean’s baking capital under the theme: One Caribbean – One Stage – One Sweet Celebration.
This two-day festival celebrates Caribbean culture, creativity, tourism, entertainment and youth empowerment, with participants and visitors expected from more than 17 Caribbean islands and territories. Founded by St. Martin native Shanda Webster-Glasgow, the Caribbean Baking Awards was created to showcase the region’s extraordinary baking talent while offering young people opportunities through scholarships and empowerment initiatives.
Today, the event has evolved into a regional platform celebrating culinary excellence, Caribbean identity, collaboration and innovation.
“This event is bigger than baking,” Webster-Glasgow said. “It is about Caribbean unity, culture, tourism, youth empowerment and creating opportunities for our people while showcasing Caribbean talent on an international level.”
The festival is expected to welcome nominees, judges, tourism officials, media personalities, influencers, sponsors and culinary professionals from across the region, further cementing St. Maarten’s reputation as a destination for culinary tourism and major cultural events.
A highlight of Saturday’s programme will see four teams representing three Caribbean islands compete for championship honours, showcasing the flavours, traditions and artistry that make Caribbean baking unique. Competitors will be judged not only on technical skill and presentation but also on their ability to tell the story of their island through their creations.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of live baking competitions, cultural performances, audience activities, tasting opportunities, music and entertainment. Organisers are encouraging spectators to proudly wear or carry their national flags to create a colourful display of Caribbean unity throughout the venue.
Saturday admission is US $25, which includes tasting opportunities, while a variety of foods and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day with a Tropical Dress Code Theme.
The festivities continue on Sunday evening with the elegant Caribbean Baking Awards All White Gala, where 64 official nominees from across the Caribbean will be honoured alongside the winners of Saturday’s competitions.
The gala will also feature two prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to St. Maarten’s culinary industry. This year’s honourees are Carl Housen, founder of Carl & Sons Unique Bakery, and Antonia Canhigh, founder of Antonia’s Cake, whose decades of dedication have helped shape the island’s baking community.
Guests attending the gala can expect an unforgettable evening featuring red carpet arrivals, live entertainment, award presentations, fine dining, networking opportunities and celebrations of Caribbean excellence. A strict all-white dress code will set the tone for the glamorous evening.
The Caribbean Baking Awards Festival has received the official endorsement of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport in recognition of its contribution to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, tourism and regional development. The event is also supported by the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Motorworld, ALEEZE Convention Center & Event Hall, CM Farrington Multimedia Production, Global Multi-Media Company and So Arise TV.
For those who want to attend Saturday’s exciting competitions, tickets are available at the door. Or, why not make it a full weekend and experience the events of both Saturday and Sunday?!
