By Lara Falcone
Preparations are now underway in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Cap-Haiten, Gonaives, and Cayes for the twelfth celebration of Carifesta, the largest cultural and artistic event in the Caribbean. First held in 1972, the festival showcases and celebrates music, dance, cuisine, fashion, cinema, visual arts, literature, theater, and crafts from fourteen nations in the region.
Celebrating cultural diversity, similarities, and brotherhood, the Carifesta has become a major multi-cultural and international event that increasingly attracts visitors from other countries and continents. It runs from August 21 through August 30 this year.
In addition to providing people from the participating nations the opportunity to share their knowledge and traditions with one another, Carifesta offers visitors from around the globe the best and most comprehensive opportunity available to observe and encounter the cultural traditions and art forms of the entire region.
Together with the wealth of artistic and cultural events offered to the public, the festival gives artists from across the region the opportunity to discuss, share experiences, and learn from one another. Since its inception it has served key roles in preserving and passing on longstanding cultural traditions, and in fostering new pathways and achievements in the numerous forms of Caribbean art and artistry.
Normally taking place just every four years, Carifesta is held on a rotating basis in each of the fourteen participating nations. This will be the first year that Haiti has had the honor and privilege of being the host country.