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Happy New Year and welcome to another year of Curated Caribbean!
The new year is only just beginning, but we've already got lots of Caribbean inspired things for you to do to fill your calendar with, so grab your new 2026 planner, write our suggestions down and get ready to have a great year filled with Caribbean inspired experiences throughout 2026.
As it is a new year and often a time to try something new, we've focus on new things to try in 2026. Read on to discover what's on!
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries to try something new in 2026
Try Raffia Embroidery
@tiharasmith
Looking for a creative escape this year? Raffia embroidery is the perfect place to start! It's also lovely way to find some calm.
Hobby Craft and Mind's report on 'The Power of Making' found that crafting can genuinely boost your wellbeing, with people reporting improved mood and less stress.
People who join our raffia embroidery workshops often mention how relaxed and peaceful they feel afterwards.
Fancy giving it a go? My Raffia Embroidery book is now available for pre-order, so you can try it from the comfort of your own home. Or if you'd love to join me in person, keep an eye out for my 2026 workshop dates – I'd love to see you there!
Image of Tihara Smith's Raffia Embroidery Book Cover
Learn how to speak Kwéyòl
@twossaints
This year, dive into the beautiful world of Saint Lucian Kwéyòl (Creole) and connect with Caribbean culture in a whole new way with the co-founders of Twossaints, Kimhia and Indira Toussaint.
This beginner's course uses fun, Montessori-inspired methods to help you master the fundamentals quickly. From crafting your first sentences to expressing yourself confidently.
It includes 13 engaging lessons, and you'll develop all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking Kwéyòl.
Image from twossaints.com
Join the Reggae Choir
@reggaechoir
Join Reggae Choir, an exciting non-audition contemporary ensemble that's open to everyone.
No experience or auditions necessary! And if you're not sure, you can always book their free taster session first.
Founded in 2012 by award-winning singer-songwriter Fola Phillip. The choir celebrates reggae music in all its wonderful forms, creating a welcoming space for anyone who loves to sing.
Image from reggaechoir.com
Learn how to cook Caribbean style
Want to take your love of Caribbean food to the next level? Join Caribbean Kitchen's weekly cooking lessons and learn to prep and cook a variety of traditional Jamaican and vegetarian dishes the authentic Caribbean way.
Choose from their menu of dishes and get hands-on experience in the kitchen.
Image from caribbean-kitchen.co.uk
Caribbean Taste of the Month
If you are looking for a new Caribbean snack, Fullertons Crisps offers a selection of delicious Caribbean-inspired flavours. They are ideal for relaxed afternoons, sharing boards, or whenever you want a little reminder of the Caribbean.
They come in 5 delicious flavours including Jerk Chicken & Scotch Bonnet, Oxtail, Scotch Bonnet & Lime, Peppered Prawns, and Mac & Cheese.
Image from fullertonscrisps.com
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from last month that are still worth checking out!
Last month we highlighted Rachel Ama's self-named sauces, Ama's Jerk Marinade and Sticky Miso Jerk. Grab a jar to bring more deliciousness to your everyday meals this year.
Plus, check out these Caribbean inspired cookbooks - perfect for finding new Caribbean recipes for 2026.
Kin: Caribbean Recipes for the Modern Kitchen
As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Marie Mitchell's cooking is motivated by a powerful desire to understand and celebrate those recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. In Kin, her hotly anticipated debut cookbook, she shares dishes from the Caribbean and its diaspora, exploring the connection food can foster between different times and different places, and between friends, families and strangers.
Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History
A groundbreaking cookbook covering the full breadth of Caribbean food culture across more than 20 islands and nations. Chef and writer Keshia Sakarah blends deep historical research with regional travel to share iconic dishes and the stories behind them, from Haiti’s Soup Joumou and Dominican Saltfish Accra to Guyanese Pepperpot and Montserratian Fish Broth, celebrating the complexity, heritage, and joy of Caribbean cuisine.
Original Flava: Caribbean Recipes from Home
Brothers Craig and Shaun bring the flavors of Jamaica to your kitchen with easy, accessible, and tasty recipes. From classics like Ackee ‘n’ Saltfish and Curry Goat to modern twists such as Honey Roasted Jerk-Spiced Salmon and Plantain Beanburgers, this book celebrates Jamaican culture, family traditions, and the joy of cooking together.
The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table
Andi Oliver celebrates traditional and contemporary Caribbean cooking through recipes, cherished ingredients, and rich storytelling. Guided by her travels in Antigua, she explores heritage, identity, and the cultural forces that shape Caribbean cuisine, sharing simple, soulful dishes rooted in memory and looking toward the future of the region’s food.
Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook
Melissa’s cookbook explores the history, people, and ingredients that shaped Jamaican cuisine. Featuring classics like Saltfish Fritters, Curry Goat, and Patties alongside her own twists with Oxtail Nuggets, Ginger Beer Prawns, and Sticky Rum Wings. Motherland combines recipes with essays tracing over 500 years of cultural influences, from indigenous and African roots to colonial and immigrant contributions.
Kwéyòl / Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef's Journey: A Cookbook
James Beard Award-winning chef Nina Compton shares 100 recipes inspired by her journey from St. Lucia to Jamaica, Miami, and New Orleans. Celebrating African heritage and Creole traditions, the book features dishes like Steamed Snapper with Peppery Ginger Sauce, Curried Goat, Green Fig and Saltfish, and Coconut-Braised Collard Greens, blending history, storytelling, and bold Caribbean flavors.
More Discoveries
This month, I’ve come across even more incredible finds that simply had to be part of Curated Caribbean! Here are some additional gems to explore:
Windrush Food Culture
At the end of 2025, I visited the Windrush Food Culture Exhibition curated by The National Windrush Museum with The Royal Museums Greenwich.
The exhibition explores the foods and flavours the Windrush Generation brought to Britain, as well as exploring, through food, the resilience and cultural creativity of the Windrush Generation.
It’s a growing exhibition, so find out on their website what’s coming next.
The exhibition is open now, until 30 July 2026 at The National Windrush Museum, located at Royal Museums Greenwhich, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF.
Tihara Smith's visit to The National Windrush Museum
Out of Many People
@outofmanypeople
Out of Many People is on a mission to champion, protect and preserve culture, heritage and arts in Leeds and the wider Yorkshire & Humber rooted in Black British, Caribbean and African diaspora narratives.
As part of their mission, Out of Many People are planning a day-long takeover of the historic Leeds Central Library Saturday 14th February 2026 from 10.30am – 4.00pm.
The Library will be abuzz with a host of brilliant writers, illustrators and artists for Likkle Lit Fest, which also kicks off Leeds Storytelling Festival.
Image from @outofmanypeople
The Curry Sauce Company
The Curry Sauce Company has collaborated with legendary reggae artist Maxi Priest to create a distinctive jerk curry sauce that brings bold, authentic flavour to the table.
Crafted from original kitchen recipes, this new sauce reflects the same standards as the company’s wider range, which is entirely vegetarian and gluten-free.
Fully prepared and ready to use, the sauce is designed to deliver restaurant-quality results at home.
Simply heat and serve to create an exceptional meal in minutes, with no need to add any additional ingredients.
Image from @thecurrysaucecompany
Barbs
Founded by Nicc and inspired by his Grandma Alder, the queen of Bajan home cooking, Barbs is rooted in the belief that great food brings people together. Every dish celebrates Barbados, from the depth of flavour to the generous welcome.
Check out their menu of snacks and small plates which sits alongside Barbs favourites, including Bajan fried chicken and fish. There are sharing platters designed for groups and parties, plus Bajan inspired cocktails at the bar.
Image from @eatbarbs
Getting organised for 2026
Explore our undated planner books to help you with planning for an amazing year!
Things to look out for in 2026
The Music is Black: A British Story
V&A East Museum 125 years of Black music-making in Britain. This landmark exhibition will reveal how Black British music has shaped British culture. Spanning four continents and 12 decades, this is a story of excellence and struggle, resilience and joy. Tickets available soon
Project a Black Planet The Art and Culture of Panafrica
Explore the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 300 works - from paintings and installations to posters, journals, and film at the Barbican from Thu 11 Jun - Sun 6 Sep 2026.
The exhibition presents work produced across Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, North America and Western Europe, from artists including Chris Ofili, Marlene Dumas and Kerry James Marshall.
Steel Scenes - Celebrating 75 years since the first UK steel pan performance at the Festival of Britain.
The Southbank Centre will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary next year and as part of it they will be hosting a series of culture lead events including Steel Scenes on Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jul 2026.
Steel pan groups from across the UK will come together for a weekend takeover to mark 75 years since the first UK steel pan performance, at the Festival of Britain.
Exhibitions
Sheffield Stories: Caribbean Footsteps (Ongoing through May 2027)
Exhibition exploring the inspiring stories of Sheffield's Caribbean community.
More info
Legacies of Windrush in Cambridge (Ongoing through January 2026)
Highlights the lives and experiences of the local Caribbean Windrush community through oral histories, music, food, and community stories.
Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show (January 29 – February 1, 2026)
The UK's biggest and longest-running consumer travel event. If travelling to the Caribbean is on your bucket list head to Olympia to learn more.
Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots Exhibition (Open now until 4th January 2026)
Black British photographer Jennie Baptiste. Rhythm & Roots will showcase her photography of British cultural history through her documentation of fashion, music and youth culture from the 90s to today at Somerset House.
More info
Dates for your diary
Caribbean Independence Days
- 7th February 1974 - Grenada
- 22nd February 1979 - St Lucia
- 26th May 1966 - Guyana
- 10th July 1973 - The Bahamas
- 6th August 1962 - Jamaica
- 31st August 1962 - Trinidad & Tobago
- 19th September 1983 - St Kitts & Nevis
- 21st September 1981 - Belize
- 27th October 1979 - St Vincent & The Grenadines
- 1st November 1981 - Antigua & Barbuda
- 3rd November 1978 - Dominica
- 30th November 1966 - Barbados
Carnivals in the UK
- Notting Hill Carnival (London) - More info
- Leeds West Indian Carnival - More info
- St Pauls Carnival (Bristol) - More info
- Manchester Caribbean Carnival - More info
- Nottingham Carnival - More info
- Derby Caribbean Carnival - More info
- Leicester Caribbean Carnival - More info
- Luton International Carnival - More info
Ways to celebrate Galentine's Day
Friendship deserves its own spotlight so while February 14th focuses on romantic partners, the day before has become a chance to honour the friends who've stuck by your side through everything.
Originally framed as a celebration among female friends, this occasion has grown beyond its initial concept. Today, people of all genders use it as an excuse to appreciate their closest companions, some even call it Palentine's Day to reflect this shift.
Sure, it started as a fictional holiday from a TV show, but why not embrace a chance to tell your favorite people how much they mean to you?
Below we've put some delicious recipe ideas together for you to surprise your bestie with to mark the occasion.
Galentine and Valentines Gift Ideas
If cooking isn't your thing then you could a well thought out gift could be just what you need to show that special someone you care.
Valentine's Day Cards
Whether it's for Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or just to celebrate friendship, giving a handwritten greeting card has always been a heartfelt way to tell someone how much they mean to you - romantic or not.
A beautiful card makes a wonderful keepsake for years to come as they can also be framed! Give on its own or add as a little extra surprise alongside chocolates, flowers, or any gift to show you care.
Share Your Caribbean Discoveries!
Get in touch!
Have you come across any inspiring stories or exciting discoveries celebrating Caribbean culture and the diaspora? Whether it’s Caribbean fashion, Caribbean food, or Caribbean-inspired art, I’d love to spotlight your discoveries. I’d especially love to hear about hidden gems or events outside of London. Email hello@tiharasmith.com to share your finds with me, and I’ll do my best to feature them in the next Curated Caribbean to share with our community!
About Tihara Smith
Tihara is a fashion designer and textile artist passionate about design, the Caribbean and sharing the Windrush story. She loves creating distinctive pieces that allow people to have a little piece of the Caribbean 🌴✨
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this blog post. For any questions about their products or services, please contact them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curated Caribbean and Caribbean Culture in the UK
What is Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is a monthly roundup celebrating Caribbean culture, creativity, and community - from events and exhibitions in the UK to Caribbean-inspired food, fashion, and travel discoveries.
Who writes Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is created by me, Tihara Smith, a fashion designer, and textile artist passionate about Caribbean heritage and the Windrush generation’s influence on British culture.
How can I get featured in Curated Caribbean?
If you have a Caribbean-inspired product or event, you can email hello@tiharasmith.com with details about your product, event, or story for a chance to be featured.
How can I stay updated on new posts and events?
You can sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly updates, event highlights, and exclusive Caribbean-inspired discoveries - plus enjoy a 10% discount on your first order.
Or follow us on social media - @tiharasmith
Does Tihara Smith work with brands or collaborators?
We occasionally collaborate with like-minded people that celebrate Caribbean culture. Get in touch via hello@tiharasmith.com if you’d like to discuss opportunities.
Is Curated Caribbean affiliated with the events or businesses mentioned?
No, unless otherwise stated, we are not affiliated with the featured brands or venues. For specific product or ticket enquiries, please contact them directly.
Why is Caribbean culture important to the UK?
The Caribbean community has played a vital role in shaping British music, fashion, food, and identity, from the Windrush generation to today’s artists and entrepreneurs. Curated Caribbean celebrates that ongoing legacy.
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