(photo by Anthony Smith)
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.
photo by Cory Wayland – Antigua.news
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.
photo by Cory Wayland – Antigua.news
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.
photo by Anthony Smith
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.
photo by Everton Barnes
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.
Lovely!! It’s a festival I think a lot of people look forward to giving the nature
It’s great to see it turns out so well.
The Antigua Black Pineapple is truly the best in the world. I’m happy to hear about the plan to bring it back in larger numbers.
People don’t appreciate their own. Little people show up. If it were an international artist where you can wine and behave like halots you would see turnout in numbers. But for a national event like that a handful of people. Really sad
The vibes were unmatched! Food, music, culture everything came together perfectly. So glad to see the Piango Festival back in full swing!
Low turnout. Ungrateful people.
It was a good event, the turnout picked up after the Cricket ended at the stadium/ Hopefully next year will have some ore people