The Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) will return to Guyana in 2027, the Government of Guyana has announced.
Earlier this week, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, met and held discussions with the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett and made the announcement.
The event, which will bring together the richness of Caribbean Culture will take place from the 8th -17th October, 2027.
Reminding that CARIFESTA began in Guyana in 1972, Minister Ramson noted the significance of Guyana once against welcoming the region for the cultural showcase.
He said “Guyana holds a unique place in the history of CARIFESTA, having hosted the inaugural festival in 1972. To welcome CARIFESTA XVI back to the ‘Land of Many Waters’ for the third time is both a tremendous privilege and an important opportunity to showcase the splendour of this unique Caribbean civilisation.”
The Culture Minister noted that Guyana’s mission will be to deliver a festival that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and shared identity of the Region, while strengthening the bonds that unite the people of the Caribbean.
“CARIFESTA XVI will provide a platform to showcase the richness of our regional art, music, dance, theatre, and literature, alongside other forms of cultural expression, while creating opportunities for greater international cultural exchange, collaboration, and exposure for our artists and cultural practitioners,” he said.
Ramson said it is hoped that CARIFESTA XVI will open doors for the creative industries, provide greater opportunities for young people and cultural practitioners, and demonstrate the depth, diversity and excellence of Caribbean talent.
He said “we want CARIFESTA XVI to be a celebration of where we have come from and where Caribbean civilisation is going. It is an opportunity to connect our rich cultural heritage with the creativity, innovation and aspirations of a new generation, while strengthening the Caribbean’s presence on the global cultural stage.”
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett has pledged the Secretariat’s full support for Guyana’s preparations.
She said CARIFESTA is a cornerstone of Caribbean cultural expression, and the Secretariat stands ready to provide Guyana with all the expertise, guidance, and technical support necessary to ensure the successful staging of CARIFESTA XVI,”
“Beyond logistics, each staging of CARIFESTA affirms the value of our artists, giving them space to innovate, collaborate, and inspire. It strengthens the cultural industries that sustain livelihoods, nurtures the next generation of talent, and ensures that our stories continue to be told in our own voices”, the Secretary General noted.
Two months ago, President Irfaan Ali announced Guyana’s willingness to host the cultural event in 2027. Guyana last hosted CARIFESTA in 2008.
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