CARIFESTA XV: Celebrating Creative and Entrepreneurial Spirit

1. What is CARIFESTA XV

CARIFESTA stands for the Caribbean Festival of Arts, the flagship multicultural arts event of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region.

CARIFESTA XV is the 15th edition, taking place from 22 to 31 August 2025 in Barbados.

The theme is “Caribbean Roots… Global Excellence.” 
The festival is described as a multidisciplinary event   covering visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, film, fashion, culinary arts, craft, and more.

2. Why it matters for creative & entrepreneurial spirit

CARIFESTA XV is structured not just as a cultural festival but as a platform for creative industries, innovation and business opportunities.

It includes large-scale features such as a Grand Market & Trade Hub which offers micro-, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) exposure to buyers, international markets and business networking.

It has a dedicated Youth Village, digital-innovation zones (NFTs, augmented reality, mobile app), and sustainability features   signalling that the entrepreneurial creative economy is central.

For individual creatives (artists, writers, designers, entrepreneurs) the festival offers: exposure to regional and international audiences, potential for partnerships, markets, business growth. For example: Saint Lucia emphasises economic advantages for creative-entrepreneurs. 

3. Key dates, venue, participants

Dates: 22 August to 31 August 2025.

Host country: Barbados. The island has hosted CARIFESTA previously (CARIFESTA IV in 1981; CARIFESTA XIII in 2017).

Venues include a mix of public spaces, newly built/performance-ready venues. For example, the “Richard Stoute Amphitheatre” is cited for major events.

Participation: Over 25 countries confirmed participation including CARICOM member states and select international delegations (e.g., Ghana, Brazil, Colombia).

4. Major thematic & structural features

Theme: “Caribbean Roots… Global Excellence.” This signals linking heritage (roots) with ambition and global recognition (excellence).

Grand Market & Trade Hub: Largest edition so far; spans over 45,000 sq ft at Waterford Place (Barbados), zoned for fashion, home & décor, wellness, literature, gourmet foods. 
Digital/innovation integration: Use of augmented reality (AR), NFTs, mobile app registration, climate-resilient design, solar installations.

Youth Village / community engagement: Platforms for younger creatives, intergenerational exchange, workshops, community fringe events across public spaces. 
Symposia / Big Conversations: Discussions around Caribbean identity, sustainability, the future of creative industries.

5. What’s on the agenda: Activities & opportunities

Opening Ceremony: 22 August   large scale event in Bridgetown.

Grand Market: Daily from 22–31 August at Waterford (Barbados) – vendors, trade, craft, food, fashion. 
Super Concerts: Multiple high-profile music concerts featuring regional icons.

Film & Video Festival: Outdoor screenings, film showcases from across the Caribbean and diaspora.

Fashion Shows / Caribbean couture exhibitions: Daily showcases of design talent. l

Workshops / Masterclasses: For creative entrepreneurs: e.g., stage management, photography, videography, digital arts. Example: Saint Lucia’s delegation emphasised these. 

Trade & Business Forums: Chance for creative businesses to network, pitch, partner. For example, the Grand Market's business orientation.

Youth & Community Programmes: Drive for younger generation’s active participation, skill building, cultural leadership.

6. Creative & entrepreneurial benefits

Business generation: Entrepreneurs in craft, fashion, food, digital arts gain access to regional markets, international buyers. Example: Grand Market zones.

Artist exposure: Visual artists, performers, filmmakers will gain visibility and can leverage platforms for global opportunities (e.g., representation, collaborations).

Skill development / capacity building: Workshops in production, tech-integration, management strengthen capabilities of the creative sector.

Networking across region: Delegates from many Caribbean states plus diaspora facilitates regional collaboration, co-creation, cross-market opportunities.

Market integration of “orange economy”: Creative industries labelled as “orange economy” (culture + creativity) have increasing importance in national economic planning; CARIFESTA XV supports that. Example: Saint Vincent & the Grenadines delegation reference.

Tourism & economic spin-off: The festival attracts visitors, drives hospitality, craft sales, food & culture tourism, benefiting the host economy and participating nations.

7. What to watch / key strategic facets

Sustainability & climate-resilience: This edition emphasises eco-conscious design, solar-powered installations, risk mitigation for hurricane season.

Digital and hybrid access: There’s a virtual platform component (for remote participation), AR/tech experiences important for global reach and entrepreneurial digital creatives.

Inclusion & accessibility: Multilingual translation services, sign-language interpretation, accessible venues recognised for greater participation. 

Artistic and economic legacy: Beyond the 10 days, the festival is positioned to leave a lasting impact for creative industries and regional integration. The Barbados press mentions a “five-year Legacy Programme”.

Participation by smaller islands / diaspora: Smaller Caribbean states see CARIFESTA as strategic for cultural diplomacy and creative sector growth (e.g., Saint Lucia).

Entrepreneurial orientation: Emphasis on micro-SMEs, creative entrepreneurs, trade hubs makes festivals relevant not just for artists but business-minded creatives.

8. Challenges and considerations

Logistics & scheduling: With multiple venues, new tech platforms, large delegations, coordination is complex, participants need to plan travel, registration, event scheduling carefully.

Cost of participation: For delegations, creative entrepreneurs, costs (travel, accommodation, booth fees) can be significant budgeting is important.

Maximising return: Exposure is one part; turning that into business/income requires follow-up strategy (marketing, partnerships, export readiness).

Digital divide: While digital features (AR, NFTs) are promoted, not all creatives may have capacity/expertise workshop participation is key.

Post-festival sustainability: Ensuring that momentum continues after the event (legacy) requires local infrastructure, industry support and funding.

9. Quick facts at a glance

Hosts: Barbados, 22-31 August 2025.

Theme: “Caribbean Roots… Global Excellence.” 

Features: Grand Market (45,000 sq ft), digital/AR integration, Youth Village, business & creative industry focus. 
Participation: 25+ countries, regional & diaspora creatives.

Legacy: Move towards creative-industry growth, entrepreneurship, sustainability, Caribbean unity.

10. Why it matters / Final thoughts

CARIFESTA XV represents more than a festival. It is a celebration of Caribbean creativity, a launchpad for entrepreneurs, and a meeting point for business, art and innovation. For creative professionals, entrepreneurs and cultural businesses, it offers a rare convergence of talent-showcase, market access and regional networking. For the region, it strengthens cultural identity, supports the creative economy and fosters sustained collaboration.

If you’re a creative practitioner (artist, designer, filmmaker), a cultural entrepreneur (fashion, craft, digital creative), or simply engaged in the Caribbean’s creative economy, CARIFESTA XV is a strategic opportunity   not just for one-week exposure, but for long-term growth, partnerships and market expansion.