Heritage Games Take Center Stage at CARIFESTA XV: Warri and Potta Showcase Barbados’ Intangible Cultural Legacy

As part of Barbados’ proud contribution to CARIFESTA XV, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) will host the Heritage Games Workshops and Showcase Competition, coordinated by cultural practitioner Rosalind Thomas. This vibrant initiative highlights two traditional games, Warri and Potta, played by our fore-parents, preserving them as a living expression of the island’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“This community outreach initiative spearheaded by the NCF seeks to expand the number of adults skilled in the playing and teaching of these Heritage Games, thus boosting the wider practice at the community level, resulting in developing more well-rounded citizens,” said Thomas, adding that the programme  preserves our Intangible Cultural Heritage in two of the games our ancestors  played (Warri and Potta), and highlighting their relevance in this modern world.

Showcase and Competition

The Heritage Games Showcase and Competition will unfold over three consecutive days at the CARIFESTA Grand Market, Waterford, St. Michael, on Thursday, August 28th – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Friday, August 29th – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and Saturday, August 30th – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Each day, the Showcase will run from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by the Competition from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The event is fully participatory, inviting members of the public to learn, play, and compete for worthwhile prizes.

Learning Through Play

At least 12 trained instructors will facilitate the workshops, including both seasoned experts and budding teachers who completed Phase 1 of the NCF’s Heritage Games Teacher Training Programme. The showcase will offer 10 to 20-minute hands-on sessions, allowing persons of all ages to learn the rules and strategies of Warri and Potta.

“The focus of the showcase and competition highlights how the playing of these games of strategy enhances skills of concentration, forethought, sportsmanship, and complements several aspects of our school curriculum, and certainly what is required of a serious, and responsible workforce,” Thomas explained.

The initiative builds on the NCF/Ministry of Education Intangible Cultural Heritage Games in Schools Programme, which since 2022 has introduced Warri and Potta to primary and secondary schools, while also engaging communities through outreach activities.

The Intangible Legacy of Heritage Games

These Heritage Games of Barbados, Warri and Potta, carry within them more than the joy of play. They are living vessels of memory, creativity, and strategy passed down through generations. In each move of Warri lies the wisdom of forethought and patience; in every round of Potta echoes the laughter, rivalry, and resilience of a people determined to carve meaning from simple things. Preserving and teaching these games ensures that Barbadians not only keep alive the traditions of their African forebears but also cultivate essential skills, concentration, critical thinking, and sportsmanship that enrich modern life. Their legacy is intangible yet powerful: shaping identity, nurturing community, and affirming that play, too, is a profound act of cultural survival.

Public Participation

Community members and visitors alike are encouraged to share their stories of playing Potta or Warri in years past, reconnect with the games, or simply join for the first time. Creative interaction will also be encouraged, with visitors invited to treat POTTA and WARRI as acronyms, providing fun interpretations. “I wish to convey to primary school teachers, parents, and 1st and 2nd form teachers in secondary schools that they need to investigate the use of the modern Potta board design to present a visual when trying to express various basic mathematical concepts to anyone of any age,” Thomas added.

Registration

Those wishing to compete in the Potta or Warri competitions can register by contacting Rosalind via WhatsApp at +1 (246) 267-4272.

“Finally, all are welcome to the Barbados Heritage Games experience at the CARIFESTA Grand Market. See how you can ‘get in Potta’ in 2025 and enjoy good, clean entertainment for the whole family. Also, hear how and when big men got in Potta for playing Warri!” Thomas said with a smile.