Antigua and Barbuda is sending a 95-member delegation to the Caribbean’s premier exposition of art, craft and creativity, CARIFESTA, which opens on Friday in Barbados.
CARIFESTA, the Caribbean’s premier cultural festival, was established in 1972 to unite the region through the arts. Its 15th edition, themed “Caribbean Roots; Global Excellence,” will be held in Barbados from August 22–31. Celebrating Caribbean identity and talent, the festival features authentic cultural experiences and showcases the region’s creative excellence
Director of Culture, Khan Cordice, said the delegation will comprise dancers, dramatists, the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra other cultural performers and the legendary Burning Flames Band which is in the midst of its 40th anniversary celebrations. Several persons who will perform management roles will also accompany the delegation.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation will spotlight the excellence of its youth, innovation, and cultural legacy by showcasing some of the nation’s most outstanding contributors. Central to this showcase is the Sub-90 cast, a dynamic group of creatives representing diverse artistic disciplines. From music, dance, and theatre to visual arts, literature, and fashion this vibrant ensemble reflects the depth and diversity of the twin-island nation’s cultural talent. Through their participation, the delegation aims to celebrate artistic excellence while inspiring future generations and strengthening the country’s cultural footprint on the regional stage,” Cordice explained.
The National Youth Theatre Company, under the guidance of regionally recognized playwright and dramatist, Owen Jackson, will highlight the nation’s strong theatrical roots with performances that are expected to excite and thrill audiences.
In the area of dance, Cordice revealed that a 13-member contingent will represent the country. These dancers were selected from various dance companies and they have spent the last several weeks engaged in intense rehearsals for the CARIFESTS presentations. He explained that the choreography is being done by a team comprising three of the country’s top dancers.
For steelband, the 2025 Panorama Champions will send a contingent of 30 players and they are expected to raise the Antigua and Barbuda flag high as this country has a well established reputation within the steelband fraternity.
What is expected to be one of the main events during CARIFESTA will be the performance from the Burning Flames Band. The group of three brothers and their nephew is one of the most enduring musical groups anywhere in the Caribbean and they have a huge fan base in Barbados.
Other artists heading for Barbados include Kid Fresh, Empress, the 2025 Calypso Monarch Ge’Eve, entertainer Asha Otto as well as author, Joanne Hillhouse. The culinary delights of Antigua and Barbuda will also be on display at the festival.
Well-known choreographer and dancer, Veronica Yearwood, will represent Antigua and Barbuda on a symposium at CARIFESTA that will examine the role of dance in education.
