As a Caribbean woman, for as long as I have heard about CARIFESTA, it has always felt like the ultimate cultural homecoming for the Caribbean spirit. I imagine every drumbeat, the dancers leap, or a calypsonian waxing, the epicurious delights, the pulse of an entire region beating as one.  In my heart and soul, CARIFESTA is the meeting place for one Caribbean family bound together by creativity, struggle, and joy.

Since its founding in 1972, CARIFESTA has been more than a festival. It is the region’s cultural parliament, where nations do not gather to debate policies but instead speak a common language of music, theatre, dance, craft, literature, and culinary art. In those shared spaces of creativity, old divides dissolve at least temporarily, and a sense of regional kinship rises.

This year’s theme, “Caribbean Roots; Global Excellence,” is a timely reminder that our strength lies both in our individuality and in our togetherness. The arts give us the rare ability to celebrate differences while building unity. CARIFESTA has for decades stood as proof of that. Each performance, from steelpan to spoken word, is a declaration that the Caribbean has something profound to say to the world.

When my little corner of the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda’s 95-member delegation, lands in Barbados for CARIFESTA 2025, it will not just be another performance on foreign soil. It will be an affirmation of who we are as Caribbean people—creative, resilient, and deeply connected by heritage.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Culture, Khan Cordice, captured it best when he said:
“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. 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.”

Team Antigua and Barbuda is anchored by young creatives representing the future of the nation’s cultural life, mixed with outstanding contributors to our incredible artistry, including Kid Fresh, Empress, Ge’Eve, Asha Otto, Veronica Yearwood and Joanne Hillhouse.  The delegation includes the National Youth Theatre Company, a thirteen-member dance ensemble, and culinary artists.

The world’s oldest steelband in continuous existence, HellsGate Steel Orchestra, the reigning Panorama Champions, will showcase the twin-island’s proud steelband reputation, and our legendary Burning Flames, still electrifying audiences 40 years on, will be one of the festival’s headline acts.

Our delegation will not only showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s excellence but will also add to the wider Caribbean chorus of creativity that makes CARIFESTA such a powerful experience.

What makes CARIFESTA extraordinary is not simply the artistry, but the recognition that culture is the soul of development. Political alliances may shift, economies may rise and fall, but the threads of culture, woven through song, storytelling, food, and festival, solidify the bond of the region as one people. That is why gatherings such as CARIFESTA are not luxuries; they are necessities for our future.

For young Caribbean creatives, this festival is more than a stage; it is a mirror and a window. A mirror, because they see themselves reflected in the performances of their peers. A window, because it opens their imagination to the possibilities of where Caribbean art can travel.

As Antigua and Barbuda steps into the spotlight in Barbados, our rich heritage and dreams will be on display to the wider Caribbean as a connecting dot. CARIFESTA reminds us that while each nation is small, together we form something powerful—a cultural force that cannot be ignored.

In celebrating our creativity, we celebrate our unity. And in celebrating our unity, we secure our future.

And for me, that is why CARIFESTA will always matter. It is where we come together, not as separate islands, but as one Caribbean family—telling our stories, shaping our future, and reminding the world that our culture is our greatest strength.

Now to actually get there, just down the road, and take some of it in! Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence, CARIFESTA 2025!