Rhythms of the Region - A Night at the CARIFESTA XV Grand Market (A review)

On Day 6 (August 27th) of CARIFESTA XV, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the Grand Market shifted into its most vibrant and electric mode. The air buzzed with energy, lights flashing, music vibrating through the ground, and the intoxicating smell of food pulling everyone deeper into the heart of the festival.

The stage, bathed in a rich array of colours, purple, red, and blue, glowed against the night as the delegations took to the stage. Antigua and Barbuda’s performance captivated the crowd from the very first note. Dancers adorned in bright, carnival-like costumes moved with energy, while the steel orchestra, with its resonant, heart-stirring notes, seemed to touch something deep within, leaving an imprint on the soul. The vocalists’ voices added a layer of emotion, weaving beautifully through the performance. Antigua flags waved proudly through the air, and smiles beamed from supporters’ faces. The infectious energy of the crowd reflected the deep pride and love they had for their homeland.

Next, the Cayman Islands delegation took to the stage, delivering a dynamic, Broadway-style performance that pulsed with energy. With interactive songs and over three dazzling costume changes from the main choir, the performance was an explosion of colour and culture. The dancers, clad in sweeping red skirts, moved with dramatic flair, while the men in plaid skirts, complete with headpieces and hats, added a striking contrast. A special moment arrived when two performers expertly played the couch shells, their rhythmic sounds adding a touch of tradition. The stage then came alive with a high-energy dance troupe, their movements synced to the infectious beats of soca music, waving rags above their heads and filling the air with excitement. Every element of the performance, bold, bright, and brimming with spirit, blended seamlessly to create an unforgettable spectacle.

Then, the pace shifted once again with Guyana, who took a storytelling approach to their performance. The stage was alive with dancers and singers, their movements and voices weaving a vivid narrative that proudly reminded the audience that Guyana is the land of the golden arrowhead. The stage glowed in the colours of red, yellow, and green, symbolising their national pride. A heartfelt tribute to their natural heritage unfolded, featuring representations of, exotic birds, the depiction of wildlife and the majestic Kaieteur Falls. Adding to the richness, Indian dancers dressed in traditional attire performed intricate hand and belly dances, celebrating the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. Throughout the performance, the Guyanese showed unwavering support for their homeland, waving flags, cheering loudly, and radiating boundless energy.

Amidst the performances, the market was a sensory overload, beautiful displays, flavours, and sounds that layered upon one another. The food court, where barbecue smoke mingled with the scent of fried rice and spicy curry, drew the largest crowds. The smells wafting through the air naturally guided people to the many food stalls, almost like following a path made of aroma.

The Guyana and Suriname food booths stood out, offering something more than just meals, they were culinary gateways. The Guyana booth was the first to capture attention, the rich aroma of Roti filling the air, mixing with the mouth watering smells of Cook-up rice. The smell alone from this booth felt almost transporting, like standing by the Essequibo River, surrounded by the lush green of Guyana’s rainforests.

Not far from there, the Suriname booth offered a similarly immersive experience. The scent of nasi mingled with the aroma of baked chicken, nasi kruiden, bakabana, and peanut sauce, filling the air with rich, mouthwatering notes. Each dish was carefully prepared and bursting with flavour, offering a true taste of Surinamese tradition. One Surinamese visitor, Damaris Aloewel, stood at the front of the food stall, proudly introducing her friends to her local cuisine. Her face lit up with excitement as she walked them through the menu, pointing out the must-try dishes with enthusiasm. “You guys are going to love this,” she exclaimed, her voice full of pride and anticipation.

Around the market, the atmosphere was alive with conversation, laughter, and the unmistakable rhythms of Caribbean identity. At every corner, something caught the eye, handmade jewellery, vibrant textiles, woven macramé bags all glimmering under the lights. 

One visitor summed it up simply: “Yess, I really enjoyed CARIFESTA. It was so amazing seeing all of the different countries and how they each showcased their cultures in food, art, performances and so much more. I cannot wait to go again!” Her words echoed the sentiment of many who wandered the Grand Market in awe, absorbing the colours, the sounds, and the stories shared by each country represented.

As the evening stretched on and the crowd seemed to swell, the sheer energy of the Grand Market became overwhelming. The fusion of food, music, and culture created something more than just a festival, it was a living, breathing testament to the power of shared Caribbean identity.

Under the stars, as the rhythm of the drums continued to fill the air, it became clear that CARIFESTA XV was far more than a celebration of differences, it was a celebration of shared stories, a reminder that music, food, and culture have the power to transport across time and space.

Written by

Annastacia Bernard

Volunteer - CARIFESTA XV