Barbados prepares to host CARIFESTA XV, Caribbean’s premier cultural festival

Barbados is poised to welcome the region to CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean’s foremost cultural festival, scheduled for August 22–31, 2025. Held under the theme “Caribbean Roots. Global Excellence,” this landmark edition will offer ten days of immersive programming across music, visual and performing arts, fashion, culinary experiences, film, and cultural discourse.

CARIFESTA XV : A Pan-Caribbean Cultural Convergence

As host nation, Barbados is undertaking extensive preparations to ensure a seamless transition from Crop Over to CARIFESTA XV. Infrastructure enhancements are already in progress, including the installation of prefabricated structures for the Grand Market, Super Concert venues, and cultural villages. These efforts reflect the island’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience for participants and attendees.

“Barbados is the place to be this August for CARIFESTA XV,” stated Andrea Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “It will be a vibrant convergence of Caribbean cultures, cuisines, fashion, performances, and visual arts. This is a rare opportunity to experience the region’s finest creative expressions in one location.”

Programme Highlights

CARIFESTA XV will transform Barbados into a dynamic cultural landscape, offering a diverse array of events designed to engage, inspire, and celebrate Caribbean identity. Key features include:

• Super Concerts: Four nights of high-energy performances featuring regional icons and international talent.
• Film Festival: Indoor and open-air screenings showcasing Caribbean cinema.
• Fashion Shows: Daily runway presentations and couture exhibitions.
• Grand Market & Trade Hub: The largest in CARIFESTA history, spotlighting regional artisans and entrepreneurs.
• Youth Village: Creative programming tailored for intergenerational engagement
• Big Conversations Symposia: Panels exploring themes of identity, climate resilience, and cultural innovation.
• Culinary Showcases: A curated journey through Caribbean gastronomy.
• Sustainability Activations: Eco-conscious installations and future-focused exhibits.

CARIFESTA XV: Visitor Experience

Attendees can anticipate a well-coordinated and enriching experience, supported by Barbados’s renowned hospitality, premium accommodations, and tropical climate. Whether attending as a cultural aficionado, creative practitioner, or curious traveler, CARIFESTA XV offers a unique opportunity to witness the Caribbean’s collective brilliance on a global stage.

About CARIFESTA & Barbados

Since 1972, CARIFESTA has united Caribbean artists, innovators, and thought leaders. They gather to celebrate creativity and cultural excellence. The festival strengthens regional unity through performance, dialogue, and connection. Together, they shape a shared Caribbean identity.

To learn more, please visit the CARIFESTA XV official website.