Port of Spain, Trinidad – The Ministry of Culture and Community Development, is pleased to officially announce Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in the Fifteenth Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV), hosted by the Government and people of Barbados. This year’s Festival will be held from August 22 to 31, 2025, under the theme, “Caribbean Roots; Global Excellence.” Led by the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, Trinidad and Tobago’s national delegation will join representatives from across the region to celebrate and showcase the Caribbean’s diverse cultural heritage.
Since its inaugural staging at Guyana in August 1972, CARIFESTA has served as the region’s premier, roving multidisciplinary arts festival, bringing together artists, performers, writers, and cultural practitioners from across the Caribbean and beyond. The festival was conceived to “depict the life of the people of the Region, forging a Caribbean identity through shared creativity, tradition, and expression.” It has since travelled throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, showcasing diverse art forms, with each host nation adding its unique imprint, strengthening regional unity and artistic growth.
BUILDING ON THE LEGACY OF CARIFESTA XIV
In 2019, the most recent iteration of CARIFESTA, CARIFESTA XIV, was successfully hosted by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, under the vibrant theme: “The Tangible and the Intangible – Connect. Share. Invest.”
By letter dated January 28, 2025, Senator Dr. the Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of Barbados, formally invited CARICOM Member States to participate in CARIFESTA XV. In acknowledging the invitation and reflecting on Trinidad and Tobago’s role in the Festival’s legacy, Minister Benjamin remarked: “It is a distinct honour for Trinidad and Tobago to have hosted CARIFESTA XIV in 2019 and to now entrust Barbados, once again, with the responsibility of continuing this celebration of Caribbean culture. To us, those within the region, CARIFESTA remains a powerful platform that unites us through our shared heritage and culture. We are grateful for the invitation extended by the Government and people of Barbados and look forward to showcasing our cultural offerings on their shores.”
As a regional leader in CARIFESTA, Trinidad and Tobago has participated in every edition and hosted more than any other country: 1992, 1995, 2006, and 2019, each credited with revitalising and redefining the Festival’s vision, most recently with the successful 2019 staging, prior to COVID-19. Trinidad and Tobago celebrated our region’s diversity and creativity, and now, with great pride, we pass the mantle to continue this cherished tradition of cultural unity and innovation.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S OFFICIAL DELEGATION
A total of one hundred and eighty (180) delegates comprise the nation’s Official Delegation to CARIFESTA XV, drawn from across the creative spectrum, the delegation brings together acclaimed musicians, dancers, thespians, visual artists, filmmakers, chefs, craft artisans, literary voices, and other cultural ambassadors. This diverse contingent, guided by the national theme “Land of Festivals; Capital of Culture,” embodies Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural heritage and reaffirms its continued leadership in Caribbean arts. This national theme echoes the inward stretch and outward reach of the Festival’s own theme, positioning Trinidad and Tobago with its Festivals and cultural traditions, internationally, as a premier destination for captivating art, entertainment, and heritage experiences.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Trinidad and Tobago’s Official Delegation to CARIFESTA XV was chosen through a transparent process to ensure the highest calibre of regional representation.
Given the timing and operational deadlines, the objective criteria was:
- Proven track record, as demonstrated by any combination of the following:
- a successful professional career;
- a consistent standard of excellence in their field; and
- Notable victories in competitions of recognised standing.
- Compatibility with the Festival’s programme components.
- Potential to participate in and benefit from pitch sessions, seminars, and other developmental opportunities offered by CARIFESTA.
- Diversity of representation across multiple demographic groups, including gender, race, age, and geographical location.
- Capacity to promote national festivals and cultural traditions within their relevant discipline.
- Cost-effectiveness in light of budgetary constraints, with premium artists commanding exceptionally high fees recommended instead for possible inclusion in Host Country–funded events such as the Super Concerts.
Trinidad and Tobago official delegation for CARIFESTA XV is tabled below.
| CATEGORY |
NO. OF PERSONS |
|
Ministry of Culture and Community Development (MCCD) Officials |
17 |
|
Freelance Artists and Cultural Workers |
46 |
|
National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) |
2 |
|
National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) |
20 |
|
Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) |
20 |
|
Tobago House of Assembly (THA) |
34 |
|
National Carnival Commission (NCC) |
11 |
|
Export Centres Company Ltd (ECCL) |
8 |
|
National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) |
18 |
|
Miscellaneous Individuals |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
180 |
CARIFESTA’S ROLE AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER
Participation in CARIFESTA is not only a cultural imperative for Trinidad and Tobago, but also a strategic economic investment. The Festival serves as a powerful source of revenue generation by showcasing the nation’s cultural tourism products and creative industries to regional and international audiences. As visitors and delegates engage with our artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs, they will experience glimpses of our unique cultural identity, sparking interest and inspiring future travel to our shores.
This cultural exchange directly supports tourism, with many attendees motivated to visit Trinidad and Tobago for their own first-hand experience, particularly in anticipation of Carnival 2026. In this regard, and by extension, the nation reaps tangible returns on its investment, affirming CARIFESTA’s role as a catalyst for economic growth and a vital driver of our creative economy.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to make this journey to our beloved Caribbean counterpart, Barbados, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development reiterates its commitment to fostering cultural exchange, advancing the creative industries, promoting our nation’s heritage to the world, and strengthening stakeholder relations.
With the support of the Government, statutory bodies, and creative patrons, Trinidad and Tobago is poised to make a dynamic contribution to this regional showcase by amplifying our voice on the international stage.
Below are some behind the scenes photos of Minister Benjamin during the production for Trinidad and Tobago’s CARIFESTA XV promotional video.
Photo 1: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development captured during the production for Trinidad and Tobago’s CARIFESTA XV promotional video at the Queen’s Park Savanah, Port of Spain.
Photo 2: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development poses for a “selfie” with local musicians and Carnival characters during the production for Trinidad and Tobago’s CARIFESTA XV promotional video at the Queen’s Park Savanah, Port of Spain.
Photo 3: The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development captured during filming of Trinidad and Tobago’s CARIFESTA XV promotional video at the Queen’s Park Savanah, Port of Spain.
CARIFESTA XV Infographic
