Looka We: the Power of the Parade

You ever stand infront the tv when a major sporting event is happening and you see

your country flag and you start getting on real bad like the people in the tv can hear you.

When you see your country flag amongst a sea of flags from around the world and you

feel so fussy to see your country there too. Your team sweet off in national colours and

preparing to parade for the world to see. Now tek that feeling with you and multiply it by

1000. The goose bumps, the water in yuh eyes… that feeling like – looka we.

That’s what the CARIFESTA Parade of Nations feels like.

There’s this moment, every time, when the parade starts moving through the streets

and you just know you’re part of something bigger. I remember being in Queen’s Park

back in 2017, standing among people from all over the Caribbean. The colours, the

music, the energy… I got goosebumps.

I saw flags from places I’d never seen before. I heard drums that felt like home but were

still new to me. And when Haiti’s group came through whew, I had water in my eyes. It

felt like seeing family I didn’t even know I had.

That moment, that feeling, that’s what the Parade of Nations is all about.

This parade is your passport to the region, all in one place. We’re creating an event that

will take you across the Caribbean without ever leaving Bridgetown. Come and see but

more importantly, come and experience, as we connect, as we meet, as we welcome we.

This isn’t just a parade. It’s been part of the CARIFESTA tradition since the very

beginning, way back in 1972. Every time, it’s the big opening moment where the region

comes alive—each country stepping forward and saying: “This is who we are.”

It’s colourful. It’s loud. It’s proud. But it’s also deeply meaningful.

This year, on August 22nd, more than 20 Caribbean nations will walk through

Bridgetown in traditional costumes, waving their flags, playing their instruments, and

sharing their spirit. It’s unity in motion. A living, breathing reminder of who we are

together.

And here’s a little sneak peek from Voice Notes from the Village, you heard it here first.

This year, we’re bringing the largest gathering of walking giants ever seen in one place

in Barbados. It’s a full-on spectacle celebrating our intangible cultural heritage, in true

Caribbean style.

You don’t need to have travelled the whole region to feel it. Just stand along the route,

watch the procession go by, and you’ll understand. It’s something every child should

see. It’s something every Caribbean person should feel. So I’m telling you come out. Bring your kids, your parents, your friends. Bring your flags. Wear your colours. Let the region see you, and feel you.

And to all the visiting delegations come ready. Come proud. Come to show off. We can’t

wait to welcome you home.

If you see me on that day bring a little tissue fuh me… I can’t help it. This is my

welcome to the Caribbean.

And yes come for Crop Over, enjoy all the fun and excitement. But stay for CARIFESTA,

from August 22nd to 31st. Watch the Caribbean come together not just to celebrate, but

to belong.

We’re ready. The stage is set and the Caribbean is coming home.

Written by Kim Butcher

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