Mouth-watering zucchini burgers. Mushroom skewers with sweet potato fries. Carrot cake smothered in a dairy-free cashew frosting. And more. So much more. The first Curaçao Vegan Food Fest brought together an amazing array of cruelty-free food, local foodies, and culinary professionals in a fun and welcoming environment.
Marie-Louise Rigaud of Zumba Curaçao birthed the concept for a vegan food fest and teamed up with Arnold van Putten of Super Nice Cold Pressed Juices to make her dream happen. On Sunday, August 28th, Landhuis Hofi Cas Cora opened its doors for the first Curaçao Vegan Food Festival.

It was a beautiful but very hot day. Despite the heat, the crowds started pouring in the moment the festival started. From 3-8pm, there were consistent lines in front of the food stands. Visitors had a chance to talk directly to vegan food producers, try and enjoy delicious dishes, or simply learn what vegan foods are available on the island and where you can find them.

Curaçao Paletas brought flavored ice creams. Kome Konsiente served taco salad, quinoa with zucchini patties, pumpkin soup, and protein energy balls. Jahman’s Place prepared eggplant stew with funchi & garbanzo coconut curry and cilantro. Maia Whole Foods served veggie sandwiches, Japanese blossom salad, and quinoa pudding. Spice Girl brought pita with black bean falafel and mango salad, and roasted sweet potato with tahini dressing. Spotted Banana prepared tacos and vegan roti, followed by pumpkin cinnamon donuts and carrot cake with frosting. And last but not least, Vita offered zucchini spaghetti, falafel salad, and mushroom skewers. You can scroll down for the complete menu.

As the oldest no-kill animal rescue organization on the island, CARF was also invited to attend this festival. Adoptable CARFIES Bowie and Kingsley were beyond excited as they were the “chosen ones” to join us at the festival! Visitors could meet and pet our dogs, they could shop for cool stuff at our stand, or leave a donation to support our cause.

We would like to thank Marie-Louise and Arnold for inviting us to be part of their festival, all the exhibitors for introducing over 600 people on the island to cruelty-free foods, and of course, all guests who visited our stand to show their support.