Piango Festival 2025 Draws Thousands, Marks Vibrant Return

After a two-year pause, the beloved Piango Festival returned in full swing on Sunday, transforming the Cades Bay Agricultural Station into a bustling hub of food, culture, and innovation.

From the moment gates opened, thousands of residents poured in to sample the island’s best in agro-processing. Stalls brimmed with sweet wines, tangy jams, peppery sauces, and confections of every kind — all crafted from Antigua and Barbuda’s rich harvest. The air was thick with music, laughter, and the unmistakable scent of mangoes and pineapples, the stars of the day.

Minister of Agriculture Anthony Smith Jr. beamed as he welcomed patrons, calling the festival’s rebirth “a proud moment for agriculture.”

He said he was especially pleased to have Prime Minister Gaston Browne and several Cabinet ministers on hand, underscoring the government’s commitment to farming as a national priority.

One of the festival’s central themes was the revival of the Antigua Black Pineapple, long hailed as the world’s sweetest.

Minister Smith revealed that 15,000 slips have already been propagated with another 15,000 to follow — part of an ambitious plan to distribute 200,000 slips to local farmers. “This is how we ensure agriculture remains sustainable and profitable,” he told Point Express.

But it wasn’t just tradition on display. Festival-goers gathered in awe as a 10-pound agricultural drone buzzed overhead, showcasing how technology could soon help farmers apply fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently.

The minister hinted that the festival will only grow from here. “Next year, we want to move beyond pineapples and mangoes to showcase even more of our local fruits,” he said, suggesting an even bigger showcase for agro-processors and vendors.