Just days into the Caribbean cultural exposition, CARIFESTA 15, the Antigua and Barbuda delegation is already making an impact at the 10-day cultural exposition that is being held in Barbados under the theme “Caribbean Roots; Global Excellence”.
Reports from Bridgetown indicate that the iconic Burning Flames Band, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, was among a list of top performers participating in the ‘Super Concert’ on Friday night. Performing as one of the main headline acts and appearing on stage just before soca superstar, Machel Montano, the reports indicate that the band did not disappoint as they gave the Bajan and Caribbean audiences a performance about which they will be talking for years to come.
“Our intention when we selected the delegation to represent Antigua and Barbuda at CARIFESTA was to ‘mas dong de place’ with all our acts, starting of course with Burning Flames,” said an ecstatic Khan Cordice, Director of Culture and Chef de Mission of the delegation.
According to Cordice the Antigua and Barbuda the delegation was purposefully selected to showcase the very best of its culture, highlighting the nation’s three pillars of representation: Legacy, Innovation, and Youth. He noted that from the iconic Burning Flames, celebrating 40 years of musical dominance, to the reigning Panorama champions CUB Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, and a dynamic mix of dancers, actors, writers, visual artists, culinary experts, and musicians, the team embodies the heartbeat of Antiguan and Barbudan creativity.
As an example of this, on Saturday night, when the focus was on the youth, the National Combined Dance Theatre performed and again, the reports are that they completely wooed the audience with their performance. The reigning Calypso Monarch, Ge’Eve also gave a remarkable performance during the presentation.
“We came to make a statement, and we are doing just that so far with our performances,” Cordice stated.
Antigua and Barbuda Panorama’s Champion Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra was scheduled to perform Sunday after when Calypsonian, Empress, was slated to perform with the steelband.
The S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and the Creative Industries, expressed his excitement and optimism for the delegation’s participation:
“This moment is a proud one for Antigua and Barbuda. Our nation has long contributed significantly to Caribbean culture, and CARIFESTA XV provides us the opportunity to present that legacy on a grand stage. I am confident that our delegation will make an indelible impact, showcasing not just our traditions but also our innovation and the energy of our youth. I extend my best wishes to every performer, artisan, and cultural ambassador representing us in Barbados.”
Antigua and Barbuda’s presence at CARIFESTA XV includes performances, exhibitions, and interactive workshops across multiple disciplines—dance, music, theatre, culinary arts, literary arts, symposium, and craft. The delegation also carries a strong promotional focus, with its national booth at the Grand Market highlighting the country’s cultural tourism and upcoming festivals, including Art Week 2025, Carnival 2026 and One Nation 2026 with the kind support of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and coverage by ABS, the nation’s station.
As the festival unfolds from August 22–31, Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation is poised not only to represent the twin-island nation with pride but also to contribute meaningfully to the collective Caribbean voice celebrating the richness of regional identity.
