Carifesta Village & Grand Market
A smorgasbord of products and services from across the region and the wider diaspora.
The Grand Market is the heartbeat of CARIFESTA XV — an open-air celebration of Caribbean creativity, commerce and connection, located in the expansive grounds at Waterford, St. Michael.
For eight days, this vibrant cultural hub will welcome thousands of visitors daily to explore and enjoy:
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Daily Literary Showcases with author readings, storytelling relays, and engaging writing workshops
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Fashion Shows every evening, spotlighting regional designers and stylists who blend culture with couture
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Creative Live Lab, where creatives from across the Caribbean and African diaspora will collaborate in real time
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Children’s Story Time – a magical daily escape for young minds to enjoy books, AR/VR stories, and creative activities
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Lunchtime Concerts and Performances, offering musical bites from around the region to accompany your midday break
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A bustling marketplace of handcrafted products, original artwork, designer fashion, books, accessories, home décor, wellness products, and more – all made by your favourite Caribbean creatives and entrepreneurs
Knowledge Platform
At the heart of the Grand Market is the Knowledge Platform, a dynamic space for exchange and empowerment. Across the week, expert-led sessions will cover topics including:
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Taking Caribbean stories global
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AI and copyright in music and film
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Building global fashion brands and casting models for international shows
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Accessing new markets for music, books, and handcrafted products
With over 30 powerful presentations and thought leaders from around the world, the Knowledge Platform is the place to be for anyone serious about taking their creative career to the next level.
Whether you're here to shop, learn, perform, or simply soak in the vibe the Grand Market is where Caribbean roots meet global excellence.
Meet the dynamic Andre Hoyte, Senior Business Development Officer at the NCF. He leads the Business Development Department, championing commercial opportunities for the Foundation and Barbados’ vibrant cultural industries: locally, regionally and internationally.
Andre plays a key role in identifying and supporting new ventures, fostering cultural enterprises, and building valuable partnerships with publishers, record labels, film companies, and other commercial stakeholders. He also keeps a watchful eye on policies affecting local artists and advocates for steps to support their growth and success.
Grand Market SCHEDULE
View the calendar below to plan your Grand Market journey through CARIFESTA XV.
Click on each event to learn more.
