A Caribbean showcase at the Maison de l'Amérique Latine
Caribbean Days: the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (CCCE) successfully inaugurated this ground-breaking event from June 2 to 6, 2025, in the prestigious setting of the Maison de l’Amérique Latine, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Combining gastronomy, art, diplomacy and economic exchanges, this first French edition marked a new stage in the strategy of promoting the Greater Caribbean in Europe.
Launched in Brussels in 2022, the “ Caribbean Days” initiative has now settled in the French capital, considered a gastronomic and cultural hub. This first edition of Caribbean Days was part of the 12th edition of the Semaines de l’Amérique Latine et des Caraïbes (SALC 2025), coordinated by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
A program combining high-level cuisine and Caribbean art
The heart of the event was a Caribbean culinary week, orchestrated by Toques françaises chefs from the French overseas territories. A gastronomic menu specially designed for the occasion showcased the region’s emblematic products: cocoa, rum, coffee and top-of-the-range spirits, among others.
The sensory experience was enhanced by an art exhibition called Pop-Caribe, featuring works by Dominican artist Yermine Richardson, selected by the “Les Îles” gallery. This alliance between flavors and artistic creation made the Caribbean Days a concrete celebration of Caribbean cultural heritage.
An assertive economic and geopolitical ambition
In addition to cultural events, the CCCE intends to play a key role in structuring economic exchanges between Europe and the Greater Caribbean. As Jo Spalburg, Secretary General of the Chamber, points out :
“Our Caribbean art exhibition and culinary arts showcase allowed Parisians and visitors to discover the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean, an excellent way to support our efforts to raise the region’s profile in Europe.”
Caribbean Days brought together figures from the worlds of diplomacy, business, the arts and entrepreneurship. Helena Compper, vice-president of the CCCE and founder of Maison Lacure 1925, expressed her desire to make this event a permanent fixture on the Paris calendar.
A networked Chamber with the entire Greater Caribbean
The CCCE acts as a strategic relay for French and European companies seeking to expand into the Greater Caribbean. Its network covers the region’s French-, English-, Spanish- and Dutch-speaking countries and territories, as well as the Guianas and Central America.
The organization promotes the talents, strong cultural identities, sustainable innovations and economic assets of the Caribbean. Through initiatives such as the Caribbean Days, it also promotes essential exchange hubs between the Americas, Europe and their respective diasporas.
Supporters and partners for a successful premiere
For this first edition in France, the CCCE was able to count on the support of several partners: the Galerie d’Art “Les Îles”, the Maison Angostura, the Maison Lacure 1925, the Corbeille des Confitures and the HJT Tax agency. These collaborations made the Caribbean Days possible, and augur well for the future of this international event.
