CARIFESTA XV: Celebrating our Caribbean Roots and Global Excellence

I have been privileged to have participated in the 2nd Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture, FESTAC which was held in Nigeria in 1977. I worked at the International Secretariat as a Protocol Officer attached to the Cuban delegation. It was an experience that changed my life.

Five years later, I was honored to have spearheaded the organization of SMAFESTAC - the St. Martin Festival of Arts and Culture- under the auspices of the St. Maarten Council on the Arts. That also was a groundbreaking event which showcased the island’s unique culture. It was at that event that the Ponum dance was revived by a group under the inspiration and influence of Tantan Nes of evergreen memory.

Then in 2000, I had the distinct honor of forming part of the St. Martin delegation to CARIFESTA VII in St. Kitts where House of Nehesi Publishers launched the bilingual edition of George Lamming’s classic book, “Coming, Coming Home.”

In this article, I am going to focus obviously on the region’s gathering of artists and intellectuals to fete and to reflect.

The Caribbean Festival of Arts, known as CARIFESTA, is the region's premier cultural event, a grand multidisciplinary showcase that unites the diverse expressions of the Caribbean. Now in its fifteenth edition, CARIFESTA XV is a momentous occasion, a vibrant and profound celebration of the arts that solidifies the region's cultural identity and its impact on the global stage. Hosted by Barbados from August 22 to 31, 2025, under the powerful theme "Caribbean Roots; Global Excellence," this year's festival is a testament to the resilience of Caribbean people and the enduring power of our creativity.

The Genesis of a Movement: Why We Celebrate CARIFESTA

The origins of CARIFESTA are deeply rooted in the quest for regional integration and cultural self-affirmation. Born from the visionary spirit of Caribbean leaders and artists, particularly of then President of Guyana, Forbes Burnham, the festival was first conceived as a way to unite the peoples of the region through their shared heritage and artistic expression.

The inaugural CARIFESTA was held in Guyana in 1972, a landmark event that brought together artists from across the Caribbean to share their music, dance, literature, and visual arts. It was more than just a festival; it was a political and cultural statement, a declaration that the Caribbean was not merely a collection of islands but a cohesive cultural force.

Since then, CARIFESTA has been a living laboratory of Caribbean unity, rotating among host countries and allowing each nation to infuse the festival with its unique flavour. Barbados, having previously hosted CARIFESTA IV in 1981 and CARIFESTA XIII in 2017, holds a special place in the festival's history. Only Trinidad and Tobago has hosted it more times - four to be exact.

The 2025 event is a symbolic return to Barbados, marking the island's commitment to nurturing the arts and serving as a cultural hub for the entire region. The festival is a powerful affirmation that, despite geographical divides, the shared history, struggles, and triumphs of the Caribbean people are woven together through the threads of their creative output. It’s an opportunity to celebrate what makes each island unique while honoring the vibrant tapestry that binds them all. It’s our collective response to the relentless efforts to keep us divided. It’s the region saying to the world, the Caribbean Sea does not divide us, rather it is the umbilical cord that binds us together through blood, sweat and tears; through family, labor and struggle.

Main Features of CARIFESTA XV

CARIFESTA XV is an immersive experience, a ten-day cultural explosion spread across multiple venues in Barbados. The festival's calendar is a testament to the richness of Caribbean culture, with over 300 events designed to engage, entertain, and educate. The program is carefully curated to showcase the full spectrum of the region's artistic genius, from traditional forms to contemporary innovations.

One of the most anticipated features is the series of four "Super Concerts" starring top-tier regional and international performers. These concerts are the heart of the festival's music scene, bringing together a fusion of genres from soca and calypso to reggae and folk music.

Beyond the main stage, the festival is a living canvas. The CARIFESTA Film Festival and outdoor screenings highlight the region's cinematic talent, offering new narratives and perspectives. Daily fashion shows and exhibitions showcase Caribbean couture, demonstrating how regional designers are fusing traditional techniques with modern aesthetics to make a mark on the global fashion industry.

The "Grand Market & Trade Hub" is another key feature, serving as the largest in CARIFESTA history. This bustling marketplace is a space for artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their creations. It is a vibrant economic engine, turning cultural expression into sustainable livelihoods.

A robust "Youth Village" with intergenerational creative programming ensures that the festival's legacy is passed on to the next generation, fostering a love for the arts and providing a platform for young talent to shine.

About 350 youngsters from across the region are gathered in this Youth Village- a kind of camp where they not only interact but also express themselves creatively.

The festival also features culinary showcases that highlight the diverse and flavorful foods from across the region, turning food into an art form and a means of cultural exchange. Finally, sustainability activations with an eco-conscious approach highlight the region's commitment to preserving its natural environment alongside its cultural heritage.

The Big Conversation: Dialogues on Identity and Innovation:

A new and highly anticipated initiative at CARIFESTA XV is "The Big Conversations" symposia. This series of dialogues, supported by CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean - goes beyond performance to address critical issues facing the region. "The Big Conversations" is a platform for intellectual and creative exchange, where artists, cultural leaders, and thought leaders tackle complex topics such as Caribbean identity, resilience, and sustainability.

One of the key sessions, titled "Big Conversations- Footprints in the Sand SERIES- Rising/Hi Tide| High Talk," is an example of the festival's commitment to tackling pressing issues. These discussions recognize that culture is not static; it is a dynamic force that shapes and is shaped by the social, political, and environmental realities of the region.

The symposia aim to explore how the arts can serve as a vehicle for positive change, fostering dialogue on climate change, economic development, and cultural preservation. By providing a space for this kind of intellectual exchange, CARIFESTA XV underscores its role as a catalyst for regional development and a place where ideas can take root and flourish.

St. Martin’s Participation: A Beacon of Diversity

St. Martin’s participation in CARIFESTA XV has been dubbed as a “return to the region.” It is a point of particular pride, as the island's rather youthful delegation is bringing our unique cultural blend to the regional stage. Led by the Hon. Melissa Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, and supported by Clara Reyes, the Head of the Culture Department, the delegation will be showcasing the rich diversity of St. Maarten’s artistic expression at a high level of excellence.

This year’s participation is a breakthrough for the island, demonstrating its commitment to its cultural patrimony.

The delegation - “small but impactful” as Minister Melissa Gumbs described it- is a good representation of the island's vibrant creative scene. Filmmakers Peter Sagnia (The Wonderful Counselor) and Jonathan van Arneman (Atlantis: The Rebirth), will have their works screened at the festival. Fashion is also prominently featured, with designer Zillah Duzon's work, which expertly fuses traditional floral motifs with bold, contemporary patterns.

Spoken word and poetry are similarly well represented by Lucinda Audain and Faizah Tabasamu. And of course, Kelvin King James will be making new converts to his popular version of the St. Martin “soca bible”. The delegation also includes installation artist, poet and anthropologist, Charisse Piper and photographer and filmmaker, Lisandro Suriel.

Not part of the official delegation but invited specially by the Caribbean Reparations Commission is Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, President of OneSXM Association and a staunch advocate of decolonization and reparatory justice. She will be taking part in the “Big Conversations” forum titled: “Freedom isn’t Finished - Reflections on the Caribbean’s Unfinished Historical Mission: The Total Decolonization and Unification of the Region.” The forum will be held at 4:00pm (EST) on August 27, 2025 at the Marcus Garvey Amphitheater.

This year's festival also dedicates a special spotlight to each participating country on "Country Night." St. Maarten's turn on August 26 is a moment for the island to take center stage, showcasing its music, performance, and storytelling in a grand display of national pride. We’re all rooting for St. Martin to leave an indelible mark on the CARIFESTA stage.

Prominent Figures Shaping the Festival

CARIFESTA XV is an event of such scale and significance that it attracts a host of prominent figures from across the Caribbean and beyond. The opening ceremony alone featured a dazzling "Parade of Countries" and drew an impressive list of attendees, including Heads of Government, Ministers of Culture, and officials from CARICOM Member States.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, was a key figure at the opening, paying tribute to the host country and emphasizing the festival's role in advancing CARICOM's creative sector strategy. Dr. Barnett's remarks underscored the importance of culture as a driver of economic growth and regional identity.

Ms. Andrea Franklin, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), also highlighted the festival's importance in bringing the region together and celebrating the unique threads that bind its people.

The festival’s success is also a result of the tireless efforts of key organizers and creatives. Festival Director Carol Roberts, who is also the CEO of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, has been instrumental in ensuring that no stone is left unturned to welcome the world. Delegates from Ghana and Nigeria are also attending with the first Black female Vice-President of Colombia, Her Excellency Francia Marquez, also in attendance.

On the creative side, figures like Chris Welch, an artist and educator leading the NU Media Workshop, are a testament to the festival's forward-thinking approach. Welch's sessions on the intersection of technology and art demonstrate that CARIFESTA is not just a celebration of tradition but also a space for innovation.

Similarly, Rodney Small, the head of the Vincentian delegation, represents the many artistic leaders and directors who bring their countries' unique talents to the festival, ensuring a rich and diverse program for all to enjoy.

Conclusion

CARIFESTA XV is more than just a festival; it is a powerful statement of cultural identity, regional unity, and global relevance. By celebrating its "Caribbean Roots" while striving for "Global Excellence," the festival provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents, for nations to share their stories, and for the entire Caribbean to reaffirm its place on the world stage.

From the vibrant performances and the "Big Conversations" that shape future narratives to the dedicated participation of nations like St. Martin, CARIFESTA XV in Barbados is a landmark event that captures the true spirit and boundless creativity of the Caribbean.

Organizing large cultural jamborees like CARIFESTA requires enormous financial resources by the host country. Maybe that is why it is held every two to four years. And sometimes, it is not held at all. FESTAC and SMAFESTAC suffered the same fate. I will address this issue separately in the future.

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