by Brian Major
Last updated: 7:20 AM ET, Tue May 5, 2026
The Nevis Mango Festival will take place July 2-5, 2026,
with four days of flavor, culture and island spirit headlined by Chef Eric Adjepong,
a Food Network star and Top Chef finalist and champion of West African
cuisine, who brings an innovative new dimension to the highly anticipated summer
event.
Known as the Mango Capital of the Caribbean, Nevis is home
to 44 varieties of mangoes so fresh and so abundant that they're never
exported. The only way to taste them is to come to the island itself, and the
Mango Festival is the most delicious reason to do exactly that.
Chef Eric Adjepong is a first-generation Ghanaian American
born and raised in New York City, and one of the most compelling culinary
voices working today. A finalist on Top Chef Season 16 and a returning
competitor on Top Chef All-Stars, Adjepong has built a career on introducing
West African cuisine to the culinary mainstream via the Washington, D.C.
restaurant Elmina, which opened in 2025.
“Being named Culinary Ambassador for the 2026 Nevis Mango
Festival is a true honor,” said Adjepong. “I’m excited to celebrate the
island’s incredible culture and flavors, and I can’t wait to taste all the
amazing mangoes Nevis has to offer. I’m especially looking forward to hosting
an evening of mango-inspired cooking, leading a demonstration, and taking part
in the judging during the festival.”
A Johnson & Wales culinary arts graduate with a Master
of Public Health in International Nutrition from the University of Westminster,
chef Adjepong brings technical precision, global perspective, and great
cultural pride to Nevis this July.
The Nevis Mango Festival’s events are as follows:
- Mango Festival Opening Event (Thursday, July 2, 10:00
AM-12:00 PM) -Join the Nevis Tourism Authority and headline chef
Eric Adjepong for the official kickoff of this year's festival. Held at
Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, this event is free and open to the
public.
- Nevis Goes Mango (Thursday, July 2, 12:00 PM-12:00 M) Embark
on an island-wide culinary trail of mango-infused dishes and cocktails.
Create your own itinerary from a list of participating restaurants and
bars across Nevis.
- Supper Club (Thursday, July 2, 7:30 PM-9:30 PM) Gather
at an exclusive venue for an intimate dining experience that puts mangoes
front and center. Hosted by headline chef Eric Adjepong at Mango
Restaurant, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, this is a can't-miss evening for
food lovers.
- Cooking Masterclass (Friday, July 3, 11:00 AM-12:00
PM) Pick up new techniques as you cook a delicious recipe at your
own station alongside headline chef Eric Adjepong. Participants cook in
either plant-based or meat options. Masterclass tickets include access to
Mango Mania. CHASKA Indian Cuisine & Bar (formerly known as Yubrenta),
Cades Bay, St. Thomas Parish.
- Mango Mania (Friday, July 3, 12:30 PM-5:30 PM) Mango
fun under the Nevis sun. From the Mixology Competition featuring local
bartenders to Mango Tug-of-War, activities are open to all attendees and
all ages. Held at CHASKA Indian Cuisine & Bar, Cades Bay. Separate
admission available at EC$10 for adults; children under 12 are free.
- Pinney's Beach Bar Crawl (Friday, July 3, 6:00 PM-11:00
PM) Seek out mango-themed drink specials at eight of Pinney's
Beach's best bars. Party with friends or join the group as the crawl makes
its way along the shoreline. The Pinney’s Beach Bar Crawl is free to join
with an RSVP. Attendees pay for their own food and drinks at each location
(EC $15 per dish/cocktail).
- Passport Food Tour (Saturday, July 4, 11:00 AM-6:00
PM) Get a true taste of the island. Collect stamps as you sample
mango-infused dishes and cocktails at bars and restaurants across Nevis.
Join the guided tour by party bus or go at your own pace. Tickets are
required for the Passport Food Tour, with three package levels available.
Samples may be purchased separately at each bar for EC $10.
- For the Love of Mangoes (Sunday, July 5, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM)The
Mango Festival's signature event. Join us for all-day fun for all ages,
from the thrilling Cooking Competition to a Kids Zone, Face Painting, a
Kids Mango Hunt, and the Mango Festival Concert under the stars.
“The Nevis Mango Festival was originally created as a way to
drive visitation during what is traditionally a quieter period for the island,”
said Andia Ravarieré, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority. “Today, it has
evolved into one of our most anticipated signature events, attracting visitors
from around the world who come to experience the richness of our culture
through food.”
“Flowing from the abundance of mangoes on Nevis, this unique
festival excites the imagination as much as the palate. I invite everyone to
come and experience this incredible celebration of mangoes, food, and culture,
and experience the warm hospitality of the Nevisian people,” said Mark
Brantley, premier of Nevis.
For festival tickets, activity passes, and exclusive
accommodation offers, visit NevisMangoFest.com, email [email protected],
or follow along on social media at @nevismangofest on Facebook and Instagram.
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