A Snapshot of Barbados’ National Programme at CARIFESTA XV

The Barbados delegation to CARIFESTA XV will present a powerful tapestry of artistic expression across multiple disciplines, each performance, workshop, and exhibition a vibrant reflection of the island’s cultural legacy and contemporary creativity.

In Dance, the stage will come alive during Barbados Dance Night with a production titled ‘TECH STEPS’, a dynamic showcase of choreography, rhythm, and innovation. Barbados will also lead Caribbean Master and Children’s Dance Classes, inviting cross-cultural exchange and creative discovery among dancers of all ages. Behind the scenes, a skilled team will manage the intricate work of costume design and management, ensuring that every detail supports the visual storytelling on stage.

In Music, a series of “Workshops with the Masters” will spotlight regional excellence in steelpan, drumming, and vocal technique, mentoring emerging musicians and strengthening inter-island ties. Young talent will take the mic through Junior MC Training, while seasoned performers will share original compositions in an Evening of Caribbean Originals, a celebration of the region’s unique sound. A hands-on Drum Restoration and Repair Project will ensure traditional instruments are preserved and passed down, linking past to future.

Theatre takes centre stage with A Tribute to Burgie, a heartfelt production honouring the life and legacy of the great Irving Burgie. The theatrical offering also includes a Wig-making for Theatre and Stage Workshop and the thrilling challenge of Reader’s Theatre: A Play in a Day, bringing spontaneous collaboration and storytelling to life in real-time.

Visual Arts will be on bold display through an impressive lineup of exhibitions and interactive projects. These include an Accessible Mural for the Visually Impaired, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive art experiences; Community Mural Projects and an Urban Mural Masterclass, celebrating the intersection of public space and creativity; and International Painting Workshops that foster artistic dialogue across borders. The Caribbean People Parade, featuring large-scale 3D public art, will animate the streets with colour and cultural pride.

At the heart of Barbados’ visual arts offering is the Barbados National Exhibition: Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence, a curated tribute to the island’s enduring contribution to Caribbean and global visual culture. Additional features include the New Media Art Workshop and Artist Installation and the CARIFESTA XV Photography Project, capturing the spirit of the region through a Caribbean lens.

Literary Arts will echo with ancestral voices and new narratives, beginning with a Masterclass in Writing for Children and interactive storytelling through Anansi Speaks and Talking Drums. Aspiring writers will connect with industry professionals in the Meet an Agent Workshop, while the beloved Writers Inc Bus Tour. WRITERS INK will bring literature to the roadways and communities.

In Film, Barbados will present the documentary Spirit and Struggle, offering a poignant and powerful lens on identity, heritage, and resilience through cinematic storytelling.

The Heritage component stands out with the debut of the HAIR-itage Pavilion - Black Hair and Body Adornment Showcase, a new and exciting addition to Barbados’ national presentation. This space will honour the creativity of braiders, loctitians, body artists, and natural hair care innovators, highlighting grassroots artistry rooted in African heritage. There will also be live demonstrations, cultural discussions, and a marketplace for locally made products.

Further immersing audiences in tradition, a Traditional Masquerade Forms Masterclass just completed this week at Queen’s Park, will revive ancestral performance rituals, while the Heritage Games Workshops and Showcase Competition will bring the joy of intergenerational play to centre stage.

Through this multidimensional programme, Barbados is not just participating in CARIFESTA XV, it is telling a story. One of pride, creativity, connection, and cultural leadership.

From First to Final Curtain

Preparatory activities are already in full swing, with murals being designed, sculptures crafted, and digital creative workshops ongoing since June. The first public event on local soil will be the opening of the Barbados National Exhibition “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence” on August 16th at Queen’s Park Gallery. The final event—extending into September—will see artists engaging communities through the transformative reuse of plastics and other disposables, merging creativity with environmental consciousness.

As the region looks toward CARIFESTA XV with anticipation, Barbados stands proudly poised to inspire, connect, and lead. This year’s delegation doesn’t just represent a country, it represents a movement: one rooted in history, powered by people, and boldly future-facing.