Barbados shines in spectacular CARIFESTA XV opening

By Tracy Moore

Barbados took centre stage at Queens Park as the opening ceremony of CARIFESTA XV unfolded in a dazzling showcase of culture, heritage, and artistry.

To the crowd’s delight, the Bajan delegation marched in to Peter Ram’s “Tuking Around”, led by more than 200 stilt walkers – some of the youngest and oldest performers – alongside effigies of cultural icons Gweneth Squires and Winston Jordan, the Steel Donkey, Heartman, Tuk Band, Landship, Shaggy Bear, Maddah Sallies, and a demonstration of stick-licking warriors.

Carol Roberts-Reifer

Festival Director Carol Roberts-Reifer declared: “It is my honour and privilege to welcome you officially to CARIFESTA VX right here in Queen’s Park under the theme Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence. That theme is more than words. It is our story… our ancestors gifted us traditions that continue to nourish our creativity and shape our identity.”

Regional and international delegations from Canada, France, Ghana, the USA, Mexico, Haiti/Martinique, Guadeloupe, Venezuela, Turks & Caicos and more joined the parade before the ceremony shifted into high gear with Nikkita performing the CARICOM Anthem, a stirring spoken word by SunRokk, and a reggae and soca set from Biggie Irie. And it would be Prime Minister Mia Mottley to bring the official part of the ceremony to a close before the cultural showcase unfolded.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett captured the significance of the moment.

She said, “What a significant moment for all of us who have gathered in beautiful Barbados for the Caribbean’s cultural extravaganza, CARIFESTA XV… The theme Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence is an affirmation of a simple but powerful truth. Our history and our heritage are the source of our impact far beyond the shores of our region.”

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett

Dr Barnett also praised Barbados’ commitment to culture, noting, “This is the first staging since the pandemic and the third time Barbados has hosted, attesting to its deep commitment to regional integration and investment in the arts.”

Music continued as part of the highlight of the ceremony: Adrian Clarke with calypso classics, 2 Mile Hill’s Mahalia with soaring vocals, and a hype session by Mikey and Nikkita. But it was Alison Hinds who brought the house down, her vocals cementing her reign as the “Queen of Soca”.

But it was what followed to close the ceremony that was beyond breathtaking: a cultural presentation that moved from ancestral memories of slavery and resilience to vibrant expressions of Caribbean creativity. Through tribal dance, ballet, drumming, call-and-response storytelling, and stunning visuals both on stage that created a feeling of grounding and floating as well as the visuals on screen of people rising from the seas, the audience was reminded of the Caribbean’s shared journey.

Roberts emphasised, “CARIFESTA is not just about performance. It is about legacy… proving that Caribbean creativity is bold, sustainable, and globally relevant.” And Dr Barnett summed it up best stating that “CARIFESTA XV will be an enduring testament to the brilliance, boundless creativity, and resilience of the people of the Caribbean.” With what was showcased, CARIFESTA VX began rooted in history, bursting with artistry, and destined for global excellence with nine more days on show.