Overview:
At CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, from Aug. 22 to 31, Haiti showcased its cultural heritage by music, dance, delicacies and crafts below the theme “Caribbean Roots… World Excellence.” Led by singer and ethnologist Erol Josué, the delegation highlighted Haiti’s origins, achievements and future with performances by Charline Jean-Gilles and ensembles comparable to Nanm Vodou or “soul of Vodou,” underscoring the nation’s resilience and creativity.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haiti’s wealthy cultural heritage took heart stage in Barbados final week because the nation participated within the fifteenth Caribbean Pageant of Arts—CARIFESTA XV— held from Aug. 22 to 31 below the theme “Caribbean Roots… World Excellence.”
The Haitian delegation showcased the nation’s identification by music, dance, delicacies and handicrafts. From conventional carabela cloth outfits and Afro-Haitian-inspired designs to artisanal sandals, baggage and jewellery, Haitian craftsmanship stood out as a mirrored image of resilience and creativity.
“We’re so blissful to have the ability to share our lovely tradition,” stated the Haitian delegation in an announcement revealed on Instagram. “Haiti on the CARIFESTA Barbados 2025 proudly showcases the richness of our handcrafts. From clothes and sandals to baggage, every creation displays the expertise, identification, and creativity of our folks.”
Based on the Ministry of Communication and Tradition (MCC), in a statement revealed on its web site, Haiti’s participation highlighted the resilience of its folks below their theme: “Our Origins, Our Achievements, Our Future.”
Aug. 28, the MCC noted that the Haitian delegation introduced a three-part providing aligned with the pageant’s theme:
- Origins: Honoring heritage and celebrating Haiti’s Afro-Caribbean traditions by inventive performances.
- Achievements: Showcasing Haitian excellence in music, style and gastronomy
- Future: Highlighting resilience and sustainable views within the face of world challenges.
The delegation introduced workshops and shows comparable to Gout Dlo and Maison d’Escale, alongside a collection of performances that blended music and spirituality.
“Haiti on the CARIFESTA Barbados 2025 proudly showcases the richness of our handcrafts. From clothes and sandals to baggage, every creation displays the expertise, identification, and creativity of our folks.”
Haitian delegation
Led by singer and ethnologist Erol Josué, director of the School of Ethnology on the State College of Haiti (UEH), the nation’s presence carried the theme with excellence, officers stated.
CARIFESTA, the area’s largest cultural pageant, introduced collectively musicians, dancers, theater artists, painters and artisans from throughout the Caribbean. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley praised the occasion’s spirit of unity on X: “That is our probability to inform our story to the world and to face proud as one Caribbean folks.”
“There’s no higher feeling than when the Caribbean household is collectively,” the Barbados PM added.
Haiti’s three-part presentation honored its roots by Afro-Haitian traditions, highlighted achievements in music and gastronomy, and regarded towards the longer term with sustainable cultural views.
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 strong efficiency that includes drums, guitars, and vocals. Teams such because the 21 Nanchon troupe and Nègès Fla Vodou introduced Haitian rhythms and dance to life, projecting a optimistic picture of Haiti at a time when the nation faces gang violence, mass displacement and meals insecurity.
The occasion additionally rekindled fond recollections of when Haiti first hosted CARIFESTA throughout its twelfth version in August 2015. Cities comparable to Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes, Jacmel and Cap-Haïtien welcomed individuals from throughout the Caribbean.
“Haiti is energy, roots, and light-weight,” Josué wrote on Fb through the pageant. “Haiti at CARIFESTA – rhythm, shade, power, drums, dance, tune, and custom… Haiti is not going to perish.”
CARIFESTA XV additionally deepened ties between Haitian artists and their Caribbean friends, fostering collaboration and new alternatives in worldwide markets.
Regardless of preliminary debate over whether or not Haiti ought to ship a delegation amid its present disaster, the federal government supported a scaled-down however consultant presence. Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), praised the trouble.
“This efficiently coordinated participation highlighted the vitality, richness, and resilience of Haitian tradition,” Saint-Cyr stated in an announcement on Aug. 30, paying tribute to the artists, artisans and creators. “Our artists, artisans, and creators provided the Caribbean an impressive showcase of Haiti’s identification and historical past.”
The CPT president’s assertion echoed that of the MCC, which emphasised that by artwork, efficiency and group, Haiti’s presence at CARIFESTA XV underscored a strong message: “Even in instances of disaster and instability exacerbated by escalating gang violence, its tradition stays unshaken.”
Above all, the pageant strengthened ties between Haitian artists and their Caribbean counterparts, constructing networks for collaboration. The individuals agreed that the occasion opened extra pathways to worldwide markets, thereby serving to to make sure that Haiti’s cultural legacy continues to flourish.