Youth Shine at CARIFESTA XV: Culture, Creativity, and Competition Take Center Stage at BCC

The highly anticipated CARIFESTA XV opened with a vibrant Youth Village on the grounds of the Barbados Community College (BCC) on its first day, transforming the campus into a dynamic hub of art, culture, and youthful expression.

The day began with displays of culture and youthful expression. The Springer Memorial

Girls’ School Steel Pan Ensemble set the tone, entertaining the crowd with the vibrant

rhythms of our Caribbean heritage. Attendees were also treated to a Landship and Tuk Band

cultural taster, thought-provoking panel discussions, and a series of short film screenings

that showcased the creativity of emerging regional talent.

The BCC auditorium also came alive with theatre performances, offering audiences another

dimension of creativity and storytelling.

Creativity Meets Commerce

The Youth Village was not only about performances but also about showcasing

entrepreneurship and sustainable living. Several vendors displayed their handmade

products, including custom-made crochet animals and toys by Adi, as well as handcrafted

soaps, body oils, and butters by the BeauTy Obsession Salon and Spa. Plants were on sale,

and a sustainability expo gave visitors the chance to sample items such as local Barbadian

honey by the HoneyComb Bee Farms, and learn more about eco-conscious living.

Adding to the festive environment were food stalls offering local and regional favorites, while archery activities provided a unique sporting experience for participants. All of this unfolded on the grounds of the Barbados Community College, which buzzed with energy throughout the day.

Spotlight on the Youth DJ Clash

The highlight of the evening was the Youth DJ Clash, which saw 17 young regional DJs take

to the stage to battle for supremacy in front of an energetic crowd. The competition was

fierce, but in the end, DJ Caution emerged victorious, securing the grand prize of $2,000.

DJ Chaddy claimed second place, walking away with $1,000, while third place, $500, went to T & Z Entertainment’s DJ Toes and DJ Zary, who impressed the audience with their energy and skill.

Written by:

Chloe Williams-Leacock

Youth Correspondent - CARIFESTA XV