SO2 Dîner en Blanc – Jamaica Observer

On Saturday, May 23, the clandestine pop-up picnic known as Le Dîner en Blanc (literal translation: Dinner in White)) took place in Jamaica at historic Fort Charles in Port Royal.

The quaint little town is no stranger to visitors, but the sight of 300 guests dressed entirely in white — picnic baskets in tow and walking with unmistakable purpose — was perhaps a first.

For a single evening, Fort Charles, the first fort to be constructed in Port Royal (1650-1660), was transformed by Le Dîner en Blanc Jamaica principal Tash Johnson and her event company, City Festivals, into a rustic-yet-refined setting for the celebrated event’s return to Kingston.

Johnson, a Kingston native herself, shared that when she acquired the Dîner en Blanc franchise three years ago, she envisioned something far greater than a Kingston-based affair. “The first thing I wanted to do was make it not just Dîner en Blanc Kingston, which it was in the past, but Dîner en Blanc Jamaica,” she explained. “I wanted to give guests a true taste of Jamaica.” Determined to showcase the island beyond the capital, Johnson said she pushed Le Dîner en Blanc International to embrace Jamaica’s rich diversity. “We are a country of 14 parishes, multiple cities, and each has something special to offer,” she added.

In 2024, the event made its way to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls in St Ann, before moving to Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay in 2025. This year, Le Dîner en Blanc Jamaica returned to Kingston, transforming the famed sunken city into an enchanting backdrop for the all-white soirée.

The Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew contestants were the first to arrive, stepping off the City to City Express shuttle with elegant waves and smiles. Moments later, hundreds of guests descended upon the secret location in a breathtaking sea of white for the signature picnic en masse.

Over 30 minutes of beautifully orchestrated chaos, tables, chairs, and elaborate place settings came together with palpable excitement and precision, officially setting the scene for the evening ahead.

SO2 Dîner en Blanc Part 2

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Guests arriving for Le Dîner en Blanc Kingston Naphtali Junior

The Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston and St Andrew contestants stood poised and ready to welcome guests to the elegance and enchantment of Le Dîner En Blanc. Naphtali Junior

Chef Jacqui Tyson added the final floral touches to the Grace Harbour Wines & Spirits tablescape ahead of the evening’s festivities. Naphtali Junior

Recording artiste Robbyn Goode added pampas to a vase for the perfect chic touch. Naphtali Junior

MichDelicious Catering principal Michelle Bingham Williams stepped out in style, rocking a custom creation by Ochi-based seamstress Margaret. Naphtali Junior

Harpist Deya Sánchez of the ensemble One Love Strings set the tone for the evening. Naphtali Junior

Settling in for a memorable evening were (from left) administrator Andre Beckford, retired financial specialist Jennifer Barrett and FurnitureLand & Karmen’s Kollection Managing Director Carmen Brown. Naphtali Junior

Kerry-Ann Smith (left) and her friends Dr Karah Whitter (centre) and Carlyn Thompson posed for a picture. Naphtali Junior

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GraceKennedy Foods CEO Andrea Coy (right) welcomed Fabiana Fajardo (left) and her husband Argentine Ambassador to Jamaica Marcelo Balbi Calvo to Le Dîner en Blanc Jamaica as Harbour Wines & Spirits Commercial Manager Dr Debbian Spence-Minott looked on. Naphtali Junior