Haiti’s cultural heritage takes center stage at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados

PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s rich cultural heritage took center stage in Barbados last week as the nation participated in the 15th Caribbean Festival of Arts—CARIFESTA XV— held from Aug. 22 to 31 under the theme “Caribbean Roots… Global Excellence.”

The Haitian delegation showcased the country’s identity through music, dance, cuisine and handicrafts. From traditional carabela fabric outfits and Afro-Haitian-inspired designs to artisanal sandals, bags and jewelry, Haitian craftsmanship stood out as a reflection of resilience and creativity.

“We are so happy to be able to share our beautiful culture,” said the Haitian delegation in a statement published on Instagram. “Haiti at the CARIFESTA Barbados 2025 proudly showcases the richness of our handcrafts. From clothing and sandals to bags, each creation reflects the talent, identity, and creativity of our people.”

According to the Ministry of Communication and Culture (MCC), in a statement published on its site, Haiti’s participation highlighted the resilience of its people under their theme: “Our Origins, Our Achievements, Our Future.”  

Aug. 28, the MCC noted that the Haitian delegation presented a three-part offering aligned with the festival’s theme: 

• Origins: Honoring heritage and celebrating Haiti’s Afro-Caribbean traditions through artistic performances.
•  Achievements: Showcasing Haitian excellence in music, fashion and gastronomy
•  Future: Highlighting resilience and sustainable perspectives in the face of global challenges.

The delegation presented workshops and displays such as Gout Dlo and Maison d’Escale, alongside a series of performances that blended music and spirituality.

“Haiti at the CARIFESTA Barbados 2025 proudly showcases the richness of our handcrafts. From clothing and sandals to bags, each creation reflects the talent, identity, and creativity of our people.”

Haitian delegation

Led by singer and ethnologist Erol Josué, director of the Faculty of Ethnology at the State University of Haiti (UEH), the country’s presence carried the theme with excellence, officials said.

CARIFESTA, the region’s largest cultural festival, brought together musicians, dancers, theater artists, painters and artisans from across the Caribbean. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley praised the event’s spirit of unity on X: “This is our chance to tell our story to the world and to stand proud as one Caribbean people.”

“There’s no better feeling than when the Caribbean family is together,” the Barbados PM added.

Haitian exhibitors greet participants at the Goud Dlo artisanal workshop booth, which features handmade women’s suitcases, artisanal sandals in the background, in addition to Carabela-style dresses and shirts during the 15th edition of CARIFESTA in Barbados, from August 22 to 31, 2015. Photo via Haïti/CARIFESTA XV, Haitian Ministry of Tourism

Haiti’s three-part presentation honored its roots through Afro-Haitian traditions, highlighted achievements in music and gastronomy, and looked toward the future with sustainable cultural perspectives.

On Aug. 30, Haitian artists electrified audiences in Barbados. Singer Charline Jean-Gilles, accompanied by the Nanm Vodou band, Creole for “soul of Vodou,” delivered a powerful performance featuring drums, guitars, and vocals. Groups such as the 21 Nanchon troupe and Nègès Fla Vodou brought Haitian rhythms and dance to life, projecting a positive image of Haiti at a time when the nation faces gang violence, mass displacement and food insecurity.

Charline Jean-Gilles, lead singer of the Nanm Vodou band, performs on stage at the 15th edition of CARIFESTA in Barbados, on Aug.30, 2025. Photo via Haïti/CARIFESTA, Haitian Ministry of Tourism

The event also rekindled fond memories of when Haiti first hosted CARIFESTA during its 12th edition in August 2015. Cities such as Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes, Jacmel and Cap-Haïtien welcomed participants from across the Caribbean.

“Haiti is strength, roots, and light,” Josué wrote on Facebook during the festival. “Haiti at CARIFESTA – rhythm, color, energy, drums, dance, song, and tradition… Haiti will not perish.”

CARIFESTA XV also deepened ties between Haitian artists and their Caribbean peers, fostering collaboration and new opportunities in international markets.

Despite initial debate over whether Haiti should send a delegation amid its current crisis, the government supported a scaled-down but representative presence. Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), praised the effort.

“This successfully coordinated participation highlighted the vitality, richness, and resilience of Haitian culture,” Saint-Cyr said in a statement on Aug. 30, paying tribute to the artists, artisans and creators. “Our artists, artisans, and creators offered the Caribbean a magnificent showcase of Haiti’s identity and history.”

The CPT president’s statement echoed that of the MCC, which emphasized that through art, performance and community, Haiti’s presence at CARIFESTA XV underscored a powerful message: “Even in times of crisis and instability exacerbated by escalating gang violence, its culture remains unshaken.” 

Above all, the festival strengthened ties between Haitian artists and their Caribbean counterparts, building networks for collaboration. The participants agreed that the event opened more pathways to international markets, thereby helping to ensure that Haiti’s cultural legacy continues to flourish.

The post Haiti’s cultural heritage takes center stage at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados appeared first on The Haitian Times.