Bridgetown, Barbados – CARIFESTA XV, the premier festival celebrating the arts and culture of the Caribbean, concluded in Barbados, leaving a powerful legacy of regional unity, cultural pride, and a renewed vision for the future. Held from August 22 to 31, 2025, the ten-day event brought together over 2,500 delegates from 25 participating nations, alongside international guests, under the overarching theme, “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence.”
This significant gathering served not only as a vibrant showcase of the Caribbean’s diverse artistic expressions but also as a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the reinforcement of a shared regional identity. CARIFESTA XV underscored the profound idea that culture is a living force capable of uniting, educating, and empowering communities, thereby strengthening economies and fostering resilience across the Caribbean.
Honoring Heritage and Celebrating Excellence
The theme “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence” encapsulated the festival’s core mission: to honor the rich heritage and traditions of the Caribbean while simultaneously highlighting its contemporary achievements and global influence. The event was structured around three key pillars: “Where We Have Come From: Honouring Our Heritage,” “Where We Are: Celebrating Caribbean Excellence,” and “Where We Are Going: Building a Sustainable and Resilient Future.” This framework guided a multifaceted program that spanned music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, fashion, film, and culinary arts.
Barbados, as the host nation, transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, with events unfolding across various districts. Prime Minister Mia Mottley lauded CARIFESTA as a vital expression of Caribbean resilience, unity, and creativity, particularly in times marked by global challenges such as climate crises and economic uncertainty. CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett emphasized that the festival reaffirms the simple yet powerful truth that the region’s history and heritage are the very source of its global impact.
A Bridge Between Continents and Generations
CARIFESTA XV made significant strides in fostering connections beyond the immediate Caribbean region. The festival notably celebrated growing cultural ties with the African Union, featuring theatrical productions from Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe for the first time. Ghanaian musician and global activist Rocky Dawuni was a featured performer, embodying the theme of unity between Africa and the Caribbean. Dawuni expressed his excitement about rekindling deep historical and spiritual ties, stating, “At a time when there is a need for a cultural reconnection between the Caribbean and Africa, this year’s CARIFESTA is important to reaffirm the connection of our people.” His performance served as a powerful reminder that “Africa awaits the unity of its children in this time! We are one people, and our time to rise together is now!”
The festival also placed a strong emphasis on intergenerational exchange and the empowerment of youth. The “Youth Village” offered programming designed to pass on the festival’s legacy and provide a platform for young talent. Discussions and workshops, such as those led by celebrated Jamaican writer and professor Opal Palmer Adisa, urged participants to delve deeper into ancestral legacies and oral traditions. Professor Adisa’s workshops, rooted in sensory experience and memory, highlighted writing as a means to connect generations and reclaim forgotten stories, emphasizing that literature can be an act of resistance and healing. Her work also championed the use of Creole languages, recognizing them as vital carriers of cosmology and worldviews, and crucial for resisting cultural erasure.
Cultural Diplomacy, Sustainability, and Economic Impact
Beyond its artistic presentations, CARIFESTA XV served as a significant driver for cultural diplomacy and economic development. The festival provided a unique opportunity for Member States to reflect on current challenges and explore how the region can transform through sustainability. Discussions included themes of Caribbean identity, resilience, climate action, and cultural diplomacy through initiatives like “Big Conversations.” A “Sustainability by the Sea” initiative focused on eco-friendly practices, while the CARIFESTA Business Forum offered panels and workshops on cultural entrepreneurship and creative industries.
The event was also designed to stimulate the local economy through increased tourism, job creation, and support for small businesses. The Grand Market & Trade Hub, the largest in CARIFESTA history, showcased regional artisans and innovators whose products honored tradition while embracing sustainability, demonstrating that Caribbean creativity is rooted in history and actively shaping the future. The use of natural and upcycled materials in crafts and fashion further highlighted the festival’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
A Lasting Legacy for the Caribbean
CARIFESTA XV concluded with a resounding affirmation of the Caribbean’s rich cultural tapestry and its collective strength. The festival not only provided a vital platform for artists to share their work and connect with wider audiences but also reinforced the invaluable role of culture in shaping regional identity, fostering unity, and driving sustainable development. As Prime Minister Mia Mottley stated at the closing ceremony, CARIFESTA is about “building a people, building a region, building a civilization, and reclaiming our destiny.” The spirit of celebration, collaboration, and cultural pride witnessed throughout CARIFESTA XV is poised to inspire confidence in the younger generation and further strengthen the Caribbean’s unique position on the global stage.
The event’s success in uniting nations, bridging continents, and championing sustainability ensures that CARIFESTA XV will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of Caribbean cultural excellence. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and boundless creativity of the Caribbean people, proving that their heritage is not only a source of pride but also a powerful engine for future growth and resilience.