With a plethora of distilleries — almost every island has at least one distillery where one can see how sugarcane turns liquor — the Caribbean region is known for rum and rum tours. But, what’s also interesting is how, beyond rum, it also has a huge impact on our culture which extends to the music we listen to and the Bollywood dance songs we dance upon. To celebrate this contribution and the increasing appreciation of Caribbean culture, Bacardi is starting India’s biggest Caribbean-themed festival titled ‘CASA BACARDÍ’ in Mumbai and Bangalore. The one-day festival would be a collision of island music, dance, mixology and sustainable design. And, here are five things you must look forward to this festival:
Ambience
It’s not a normal venue. The festival is taking over a 100+ years old Pioneer Hall, a large unique Portuguese style bungalow in the heart of Bandra. The bungalow would be turned into a festival space with a dance floor, a massive bar and two stages, including a rooftop stage, all reflecting the Caribbean design, giving you major island feels when you walk in.
Rummin’ It Up
To all the rum fans out there, Casa Bacardi is a fiesta for you! From the classic Mojito to Riki Tikis and Mai Tais, there’s going to be a bunch of cool Bacardi concoctions.
Artists
With two stages alternating from day to night, six artists from India and Sri Lanka will be bringing their sick beats to the festival. While the rooftop stage will feature Mumbai’s veteran DJ and vinyl selector Sindhi Curry as well as Sri Lanka’s DJ Emanuel and DJ Leandro, the main stage will see new-age electronica artist SickFlip, turntablist Spin Doctor and hip hop DJ Shez spinning a set of specially curated mixes. All artists will be featuring their own expressions of Dancehall, Afrobeat, Baile, Soca, House, Disco, Funk and Tropical, guaranteed to bring audiences fresh sounds. Want more? You may even get a chance to speak to DJ Ritviz during his one-on-one discussion on his journey as an artist and always doing what moves him.
Workshops
For those who want to ramp up their own Caribbean vibe, this festival is also hosting three unique workshops — Dancehall queen MS Sheriff will be sharing tips on an upcoming Jamaican dance form, Sickflip will get young producers to do what moves them with a Caribbean Beat Production Workshop and Bacardi’s brand ambassador will be getting attendees to mix their own beverages, with a twist of course.
Pop-ups
Mumbai’s hottest streetwear brand Jay Walking, sustainable clothing brand Boheco, Barbados based resort line Isaa Vibes and vintage clothing brand Bodements are also coming to this festival. And, there will also be a Latin & Caribbean-themed BBQ menu by new eatery Nomada.
The festival starts today at 3 pm at Pioneer Hall, St John Baptista Road, Bandra West, Mumbai