Irish Travelers Invited to Celebrate CARIFESTA XV in Barbados

Irish holidaymakers are encouraged to embrace a unique cultural experience at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados this August. Scheduled from August 22 to 31, 2025, this festival stands as the Caribbean’s foremost celebration of creativity, community, and cultural pride. Over ten days, CARIFESTA XV will showcase a vibrant array of artists, performers, designers, chefs, and thought leaders from more than 25 countries, including Ghana, Colombia, Cuba, and Brazil.

Barbados, often celebrated as the jewel of the Caribbean, will transform into a living gallery of Caribbean identity. The event will feature a variety of activities such as Super Concerts, Caribbean Eat Street, fashion galas, and street performances across the island’s cultural districts.

“This is the ultimate celebration of who we are as Caribbean people – and we’re inviting the world to join us,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. She noted that Ireland has a longstanding connection with Barbados, and she believes Irish visitors will feel a sense of belonging in the festival’s warmth, rhythm, and beauty.

The theme for 2025, “Caribbean Roots. Global Excellence,” reflects the festival’s dedication to highlighting the region’s rich traditions while embracing contemporary global influences. The schedule promises a packed agenda, including:

– Four Super Concerts featuring top Caribbean and international artists
– A dedicated Film Festival with outdoor screenings
– Daily Fashion Shows and showcases of Caribbean couture
– The Grand Market & Trade Hub, the largest in CARIFESTA history
– A Culinary Village representing diverse regional dishes such as Bajan Cou Cou, Trini Doubles, Haitian Joumou, and Antiguan Ducana
– Youth Villages, pop-up stages, and community dance buses
– Innovative tech installations, including augmented reality exhibits, NFTs, and solar-powered stages

Barbados, which last hosted CARIFESTA in 2017, aims to reaffirm its status as a cultural leader in the Caribbean and a welcoming destination for Irish tourists. The island has recently received positive recognition from Irish travel publications for its blend of relaxed charm, cultural richness, and stunning natural landscapes.

Travel packages, group rates, and specials for the diaspora are currently available at www.visitbarbados.org/carifesta. Many events will be free to attend, with others offered through general booking, making it accessible for all visitors. As the festival approaches, the anticipation for this celebration of Caribbean culture continues to grow, promising an unforgettable experience for those who attend.