Kingston Curry Festival to bring family fun to Devon House

With Kingston fast cementing its reputation as a melting pot of food, culture and creativity, the Kingston Curry Festival is set to serve up a bold, flavour-packed experience when it takes over Devon Hose on Sunday, March 1.

Promising a vibrant mix of food, music, art and family-friendly activities, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to indulge in what organisers describe as a true gastronomic celebration of all things curry.

According to Leighton Davis, managing director of Project2Project Consultants and the event’s chief organiser, the Kingston Curry Festival is designed to push culinary boundaries, while celebrating a staple ingredient deeply rooted in Jamaican households.

“Curry is a key ingredient in most Jamaican homes and is cooked weekly to satisfy spicy cravings. This festival is about showcasing the best curry dishes from our local chefs and restaurants, and creating an experience where food and music lovers can truly feast,” Davis said.

From curry goat, chicken and shrimp to more adventurous offerings, such as curried lobster, crab, and even mango, the festival promises something for every palate.

“Kingston Curry Festival will be the place where everything is curried. Curry adds a tantalising kick to dishes, especially ones we never thought could be curried, and that’s what makes this event unique,” Davis said.

Beyond the food, the festival is positioned as a full-day experience for the entire family, featuring live music, an artisan village and a craft market showcasing local creativity.

“Jamaicans crave unique food experiences that are enjoyable for the whole family, and that’s exactly what this festival delivers. It is an amazing mix of food, music and art in a relaxed, open-air setting,” Davis said.

Curry’s presence in Jamaican cuisine dates back to the 19th century, when East Asian workers arrived in the Caribbean under British colonial rule. Their culinary traditions blended with West African flavours already present on the island, helping to shape the bold, layered tastes for which Jamaica is known today.

The use of curry powder — a fragrant blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander and chilli — has since become a defining feature of local cooking.

“While curry chicken is the most popular dish, Jamaican cuisine is not limited to it. Curry pairs beautifully with flavourful meats like beef, pork and goat, and also works incredibly well with seafood options like fish and shrimp,” Davis said.

For patrons seeking lighter alternatives, curry seafood dishes offer rich flavour without the intense heat of jerk seasoning, making them accessible to a wider audience.

As anticipation builds, chefs and vendors are preparing to present their signature dishes, with more than 50 vendors participating at the event’s last staging.

With its fusion of bold flavours, cultural storytelling and family-friendly entertainment, the Kingston Curry Festival is shaping up to be one of the capital’s must-attend food events of 2026, where spice, creativity and community come together in one memorable experience.