Valentines Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Two Island Events Stir The Heart and Move The Soul this Valentine’s Day
It’s the time of year when romance and love are expressed. It’s one of the biggest retail seasons when crazy numbers of cards, flowers and chocolates are sold.
But two events for Valentine’s Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands move beyond the commercial symbols of love and give people an opportunity to transform those chocolates into charity, and sentiments into action.
Chocolate Lover’s Showcase – February 6th
From 8:00 to 10:00 pm on February 6th it’s a feast for the eyes and the nose, a celebration of all things chocolate. The 6th Annual Chocolate Lover’s Showcase is held at The Palms Resort, about a five minute drive from Villa del Mar. It’s an evening of masterful cocoa creations, but the sweetest factor is the community benefit. Proceeds from the showcase go to help the Turks and Caicos Salvation Army in their island outreach programs.
For many weeks chefs from various local restaurants have been dipping into their chocolate skills to come up with delicious chocolate-inspired squares, pastries, desserts, savoury creations and beverages that will impress the judges. Prizes are awarded for the Best Sweet, People’s Choice and Best Savoury. The signature chocolate dishes each year consistently amaze such as the inventive Chocolate Conch which took honours in 2014.
Event goers can taste the various culinary creations and enjoy live music and a silent auction. For tickets and further information contact The Turks and Caicos Salvation Army at 431-6802.
Each year the number of entrants and event attendees has increased. Chefs represent restaurants from all over the islands like nearby Grace Bay Club or West Bay Club and or further afield like as Parrot Cay, Pelican Cay and Amanyara.
Hopelessly Romantic – February 13th
But maybe you’re just a hopeless romantic. In that case, this is an event tailor-made for you. In fact it’s called Hopelessly Romantic.
Billed as an evening of beautiful voices and music, the event takes place on February 13th at 7:00pm at the Stargazer Villa located on International Drive, about a 15 minute drive from Villa del Mar.
For the price of a $75 ticket, attendees can enjoy a champagne cocktail, delicious canapés, and entertainment by talented island vocalists and musicians. There is also a silent auction featuring local artisans’ works. The ticket cost includes membership to the event sponsor and organizer, the Turks and Caicos Friends of the Fine Arts, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting the visual and performing arts in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Tickets can be purchased at the Unicorn Bookstore and Art Provo, or reserved by email at tcfaf@outlook.com.
It’s a night to celebrate the wonderful talent of local musical artists, but it’s also an opportunity to give back to the community. Event proceeds will benefit students in the Turks and Caicos Islands who are involved in dance, voice, and drama. Monies will go toward scholarships, materials and instruments.
While there are plenty of culinary, candy or floral specials offered around the islands, there are events happening that will celebrate the love of Valentine’s Day long after 2016 comes to a close.
Hopelessly Romantic and Chocolate Lover’s Showcase are two happenings that not only go to the “heart” but also to the “soul” of the February 14th tradition.
