A Caribbean festival brought a taste of the islands to Pembroke Pines on Saturday.

The event part of Caribbean American Heritage month at the Pembroke Pines City Center had music, free food samples and several vendors, as well as family activities.

It attracted people looking to learn or celebrate Caribbean American culture for a $10 entry fee.

Samantha Wang said she enjoyed the Caribbean music, which could be heard throughout the festival from the small stage adorned with flags of the Caribbean islands.

I came out here today to learn about Caribbean culture, she said. The 36-year-old drove from Hallandale Beach to experience the music, flavors and atmosphere of the Caribbean, she said. The food here is really good I got this huge plate of fish for like $10.

She sat beside Odetta Grey, a 41-year-old living in Sunrise but originally from Guyana, on one of the courtyards few benches, though the two had never met. The colors of Greys outfit matched the red, green and yellow of the flag.

Barbara Lue and Jean Senior came prepared for the festival with folding chairs. They sat on the edge of the courtyard, swaying to the music.

We go to these festivals all the time, to celebrate our culture and listen to the music, Lue, 57, said.

Lue lives in Hollywood and Senior, also 57, lives in Miami Gardens. Their Jamaican heritage unites them, Lue said.

Inside the City Center building, vendors sold handbags, jewelry and crafts. Some offered complimentary tea tasting or a sample of rambutan, a tropical spiny red fruit.

Outside, food trucks lined the perimeter, and children played in a bounce house, had their faces painted or ran around the festival with balloon swords and animals.

Brooke Baitinger: bbaitinger@sun-sentinel.com, 561-243-6648 or Twitter: @BaitingerBrooke

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