Latest update July 13th, 2026 3:15 AM
Latest News
Caribbean Night LI Returns, Celebrating Caribbean Diaspora and Community on Long Island
By Tracey Khan
(Kaieteur News) – After more than a decade, one of Long Island’s largest Caribbean cultural celebrations is returning, bringing together thousands of people to honor the traditions, diversity and contributions of the Caribbean diaspora.
Caribbean Night Long Island will return to Eisenhower Park in Nassau County on July 17, offering a free, family-friendly festival that organisers say is about much more than music and entertainment. It is a celebration of identity, heritage and the generations of Caribbean immigrants who have helped shape communities across Long Island and New York.
Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Keznamdi, dancehall entertainer Charly Black, Guyanese singer Terry Gajraj to headline the Caribbean Night LI at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County on July 17, 2026.
Leading that effort is Guyanese-born community advocate and wealth builder, Jennifer Rampersaud, whose vision has helped revive the event after years of absence.
For Rampersaud, the festival represents an opportunity for Caribbean families to see their cultures celebrated on one of Long Island’s largest public stages while introducing younger generations to the traditions that connect them to their roots.
“This is about bringing our people together,” Rampersaud said. “The Caribbean community has contributed so much to Long Island. We wanted to create a space where every island, every family and every generation feels represented.”
Produced by Caribbean Connections Media, the event is presented in partnership with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and executive producers Rampersaud, Hanif Russell and Ray Thomas.
Organisers expect thousands of attendees from across Long Island, New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area, reflecting the region’s growing Caribbean population, which includes families with roots in Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other islands.
For many in the diaspora, festivals like Caribbean Night serve as important reminders of home while strengthening cultural ties for children and grandchildren born in the United States.
Rampersaud, a Guyanese woman who has spent years promoting Caribbean businesses, culture and community initiatives, said preserving that connection is one of the event’s primary goals.
“Culture doesn’t survive by accident,” she said. “It survives when we create opportunities for people to experience it, celebrate it and pass it on.”
The evening will feature performances by Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Keznamdi, dancehall entertainer Charly Black, Guyanese singer Terry Gajraj, along with SpinCityChris, Ziondelion, DJ Noah Powa, DJ Norie, DJ Roy and additional performers.
Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine representing numerous islands, local vendors, cultural exhibitions, family activities and community organisations showcasing Caribbean traditions.
Organisers say the event also provides an economic boost for Caribbean-owned businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs by connecting them with thousands of potential customers in a highly visible setting.
For many vendors, festivals such as Caribbean Night offer one of the year’s largest opportunities to showcase products ranging from cuisine and handcrafted goods to clothing and cultural services.
Admission to the July 17, event is free, with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Park.
“When families leave here,” she said, “we want them to feel proud of who they are, proud of where they come from and excited about passing that legacy on to the next generation.”
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
Blunt of the day
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
