Save the date
St. Maarten is preparing to welcome the Caribbean’s finest bakers, pastry artistes, culinary entrepreneurs, and food enthusiasts as the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards Festival weekend takes over ALEEZE Convention Center & Event Hall from Saturday, July 25, to Sunday, July 26.
Under the inspiring theme “One Caribbean - One Stage - One Sweet Celebration,” the festival promises far more than a baking competition. Organizers have created a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, creativity, tourism, entertainment, and youth development that is expected to draw participants and visitors from more than 17 Caribbean islands and territories.
Founded by St. Martin native Shanda Webster-Glasgow, the Caribbean Baking Awards was established to shine a spotlight on the region’s exceptional baking talent, while creating opportunities for young people through scholarships and empowerment initiatives. Over the years, the event has grown into a regional platform that celebrates not only culinary excellence but also 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 weekend is expected to attract nominees, judges, tourism representatives, media personalities, sponsors, influencers, culinary professionals, and supporters from across the region, further positioning St. Maarten as a leading destination for culinary tourism and cultural events.
Four teams representing three Caribbean islands will compete for championship honours by showcasing the rich flavours, traditions, artistry, and cultural heritage that define Caribbean baking. Beyond technical skill, competitors will be judged on creativity, presentation, and their ability to tell the story of their island through food.
Saturday promises a full day of live baking competitions, cultural performances, interactive audience experiences, tasting opportunities, music, and entertainment. Organisers are encouraging spectators to proudly represent their home islands by wearing or carrying their national flags, transforming the venue into a colourful celebration of Caribbean unity. Admission for Saturday is US $25 and includes tasting opportunities, with food and drinks available throughout the day.
The festival reaches its elegant finale on Sunday, July 26, with the Caribbean Baking Awards All White Gala – an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence across the Caribbean baking community. The gala will honour 64 official nominees from throughout the region while celebrating the winners from Saturday’s competitions. It will also feature two prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards recognizing outstanding contributions to St. Maarten’s culinary industry. This year’s recipients are Carl Housen of Carl & Sons Unique Bakery and Antonia Canhigh of Antonia’s Cake, whose years of dedication have helped shape the island’s baking landscape.
Guests can expect a glamorous evening complete with red carpet arrivals, live entertainment, award presentations, networking opportunities, media coverage, fine dining, and celebrations of Caribbean excellence. A strict all-white dress code will set the tone for an elegant conclusion to the festival, with group tables currently available for reservation. Beyond the competitions and celebrations, the Caribbean Baking Awards continues to strengthen St. Maarten’s reputation as a destination for culinary tourism, cultural exchange, and regional collaboration.
The event has received the official endorsement of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, recognising its contribution to youth empowerment, cultural preservation, tourism, and Caribbean development. Support for the festival also comes from a growing list of partners, including the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Motorworld, ALEEZE Convention Center & Event Hall, along with regional organisations CM Farrington Multimedia Production, Global Multi-Media Company, and So Arise TV.
Organisers continue to welcome sponsors, tourism partners, media organizations, influencers, and regional participants interested in becoming part of what is shaping up to be one of the Caribbean’s premier culinary events. Maybe you’re a passionate baker, or an aspiring pastry chef, a food lover, or simply looking for a cool new cultural experience, the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards Festival promises to be filled with flavour, creativity, entertainment, and Caribbean pride.
Mark your calendars for July 25-26 and prepare to celebrate the very best the Caribbean has to offer – one sweet creation at a time.
Tickets are available at caribbeanbakingawards.com/2026-tickets.
