Celtic Festival kicks off

The 2024 Barbados Celtic Festival was officially launched on Monday, signalling a week of cultural and economic opportunity for the island.

The annual event, which features a host of activities including parades, wine tasting, musical presentations and concerts, is set to bring over 150 participants from Ireland, Scotland, Whales, Germany, Canada, Finland and the United States from May 14 to 19.

Festival director Jeana Leslie said the festival provides a unique cultural exchange and also seeks to “boost economic growth within Barbados in what is considered slower shoulder seasons”.

She reported that the 2023 festival generated an estimated $700 000 for “the local economy and small businesses.”

Leslie is already looking ahead, expressing optimism for next year’s festival, based on the level of interest being shown within target markets.

“We hope with the continued support and sponsorship from local suppliers, we will be able to grow the festival and bring more revenue to Barbados,” she said, revealing the 2025 festival has been scheduled for May 15 to 18.

The Barbados Celtic Festival features an amalgamation of cultures and musical and experiential exchange among countries involved.

Leslie explained: “We have shared culture that goes back over 300 years with the Scots and Irish being purged from their native lands and being brought here to Barbados as indentured servants for the sugar industry. As a result, many descendants are still here in Barbados years later.”

Of the festival programme, the director told reporters that the activities will include four nights of performances at Worthing Square, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., beginning on Tuesday; a concert at the St Peter’s Parish Church in Speightstown on Friday, starting at 7 p.m.; a Bridgetown street parade on Saturday,starting at 3 p.m., with a showcase of local and visiting acts happening later that evening at Hastings Rock.

Among other events are the annual whisky tasting and music at Tapas restaurant on Thursday, with the final event happening on Sunday at the Copacabana Beach Club.

“Our festival is about being inclusive, fusing festivals together but most of all having a really good time. Barbados is a good place and great location to bring people to come and enjoy food, music, culture and the sunshine,” said Leslie.

Executive Director of the Tourism Development Corporation Jacqueline Gill reaffirmed support for the annual festival, saying, “[As a country] we take pride in being a beacon for diversity and inclusivity, making us the honoured [hosts] for this event once more.”

She added: “This festival offers a very unique occasion for us to understand and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Scotland, characterised by the music, highland dance, bagpipes and drums, and we really look forward to it.” (SM)