After a highly successful introduction to Tobago over the Easter weekend, the Sunalia sunset market experience is definitely here to stay.

‘Sunalia’ is the brainchild of one of the most innovative entertainment and event hosting companies in Trinidad and Tobago, EEEmpire (The Empire, Entertainment, Everything). Well-known for creatively fusing Trini culture and lifestyle into euphoric experiences, EEEmpire have produced some favorite carnival events such as ‘Sekon Sunday’, LUAUBlocko’ and ‘Tropical Luau’; in addition to other popular events such as ‘Barbahol’, ‘EEEmpire Strikes Back’, ‘NAEBL’, ‘EEEBCF’ and now introducing ‘Sunalia’.

So, what exactly is ‘Sunalia’ you asked?

Pronounced “/sun-ey-lee-ah/”, ‘Sunalia’ is a premium and modern sunset market that’s ushering in a new era of commerce mingled with fun and entertainment even while social distancing. The premises of the market provides a space for social exchange amongst small businesses with their potential and burgeoning markets to help encourage and stimulate lasting economic activity, especially during these challenging times.

The first of its kind was held in December 2020 during the Christmas season in Trinidad. And due to the overwhelming success, the second shortly followed on Valentine’s Day, 2021. But why should Trinidad get to experience all the fun and excitement? EEEmpire, deciding that Tobago needed to be included, expanded their market to the sister isle when the perfect window presented itself, Tobago’s Easter Weekend festivities.

Mt Irvine Bay Resort, Tobago

Partnering with the luxurious Mt Irvine Bay Resort in Tobago for the first of its kind in the sister isle, the Sunalia Weekend officially kicked off and patrons were treated to a free admission 4-day Vendor’s Market showcasing local products and cuisine. This also included access to the resort amenities, shopping, food, and fun all done within the fully enforced Covid-19 safety protocols. Some of the mandatory Covid-19 protocols included wearing masks at all times, temperature checks upon entry, social distancing and limited admission to the venue, sink and sanitization stations, and constant reminder by EEEmpire staff to all patrons to adhere to the covid regulations. Police officers were also seen on hand, enforcing the Covid safety measures as well.

The 4-day SUNALIA Weekend festivities included the following:

• A Beach Front Pop Up Shop- with over 40 vendors from Trinidad and Tobago showcasing their handmade and custom-made products (which ran from Good Friday to Easter Monday at Mt. Irvine Bay Beach).

• A Starlit Outdoor Cinema ⁠

• Beach Day Ever Lime

• A Resort Brunch at the Iconic Sugar Mill Restaurant

• And additionally, poolside games, yoga, workshops, and more. Yes, Easter weekends in Tobago will never be the same! See full album below (Photo credits: Kyle Fredericks photography).

So, what are the plans for ‘Sunalia’ moving forward?

According to EEEmpire Managing Director, Ken Sambury, he would like to see the Sunalia Sunset Market expand to other countries throughout the Caribbean as they plan to expand their company from entertainment to the tourism sector. Well, we at CEH were there in Tobago to witness the festivities first hand and we can tell that the EEEmpire family is definitely onto something. Not only is the market experience beneficial to the economy in terms of giving local vendors a space to generate income, but also increases brand awareness and connects them with new customers.

EEEmpire’s Managing Directors- Ken Sambury and Stefan Guevara

So, whether you’re in Trinidad, Tobago, or whichever Caribbean island the EEEmpire team is off to next, we are sure that you, your family, and your friends will be in store for a truly great experience. To connect or stay updated with everything EEEmpire you can visit their website here.

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