Barbados recently concluded CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, a ten-day celebration that transformed the island into a vibrant hub of cultural expression from August 22-31, 2025. Under the compelling theme “Caribbean Roots. Global Excellence,” the event successfully showcased the rich heritage and contemporary dynamism of Caribbean talent to an international audience. This premier multicultural event, organized periodically, brought together over 2,500 delegates from more than 25 countries, including significant participation from the Caribbean diaspora and welcomed new international delegations from Africa and Latin America.
A Triumphant Return and Grand Scale
CARIFESTA XV marked a significant “comeback” for the festival, returning for the first time since 2019 after a hiatus necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event’s scale and ambition were unprecedented, described as the most ambitious staging in its 53-year history. Barbados, hosting CARIFESTA for the third time, leveraged its experience and infrastructure to create a memorable event. The festival utilized new and established venues, including a purpose-built 44,000-square-foot facility, the National Performing Arts Centre, and expanded sites like the Grand Market & Trade Hub, which was the largest in CARIFESTA history.
Celebrating Culture and Fostering Unity
The festival served as a powerful platform for celebrating the diverse tapestry of Caribbean culture, encompassing music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, fashion, and culinary arts. As Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), articulated, CARIFESTA reinforces regional unity amidst diversity and acts as a “living laboratory” for Caribbean expression. The theme “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence” underscored the profound connection between the region’s heritage and its contemporary global influence, emphasizing that ancestral traditions are the source of the Caribbean’s impact worldwide. Beyond performance, the festival featured “Big Conversations” symposia addressing critical regional issues such as climate change, identity, and innovation, fostering dialogue and a collective vision for the future.
Economic Catalyst and Creative Industry Development
CARIFESTA XV was strategically positioned not just as a cultural showcase but as a significant economic driver and a catalyst for the “Orange Economy” – the creative industries. The event aimed to stimulate the local economy through increased tourism, job creation, and support for small and micro businesses. The Grand Market & Trade Hub provided a crucial platform for artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs to sell their creations, turning cultural expression into sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, initiatives like the Business Forum connected creators with investors and facilitated regional trade networks, underscoring CARIFESTA’s evolving role in market-making and brand-building for Caribbean talent. The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) provided a grant of nearly half a million Barbados dollars to support the festival and strengthen the region’s creative economy.
Inclusivity, Innovation, and Global Connections
This edition of CARIFESTA embraced innovation and inclusivity, integrating technology and addressing contemporary challenges. Artificial intelligence played a role in some performances, and digital platforms were utilized to enhance promotion. The festival also prioritized sustainability, with initiatives like “Sustainability by the Sea” promoting eco-conscious practices. Special attention was given to youth engagement through a robust Youth Village offering intergenerational creative programming. The event also marked a significant expansion of international ties, notably strengthening connections with the African Union, with debut theatrical showcases from Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Delegations from countries like Ghana, Cuba, Brazil, and Colombia broadened the scope of cultural exchange.
A Legacy of Unity and Excellence
CARIFESTA XV concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony that celebrated Caribbean identity, leaving attendees and organizers proclaiming it one of the greatest editions staged. The festival reinforced the notion that CARIFESTA is more than an event; it is a powerful symbol of regional unity, a declaration of Caribbean creativity, and a testament to the enduring strength of its roots contributing to global excellence. The success of CARIFESTA XV in Barbados reaffirms the vital role of culture in preserving identity, fostering unity, and building economic and social resilience across the Caribbean.