According to the
CARICOM Organisation, CARIFESTA aims to: • depict the life of the people of the region - their heroes, morale, myth, traditions, beliefs, creativeness, ways of expression. • show the similarities and the differences of the people of the Caribbean and Latin America • create a climate in which art can flourish so that artists would be encouraged to return to their homeland. • awaken a regional identity in Literature. • stimulate and unite the cultural movement throughout the region.
Performing arts The festival includes both a cultural opening and closing ceremony. Presentations range from elaborate musical productions to comedy, fantasy, ritual, history, folk plays and legend. Some of the artists from the first CARIFESTA include Conjunto Folklorico Nacionale of
Cuba, the Ol'Higue and Baccos of Guyana,
Shango dancers from
Trinidad, Shac Shac musicians from
Dominica. Concerts, recitals and musical shows provide folk rhythms, jazz, as well as pop, classics. There are Indian tablas, African drums, Caribbean
steel pan, piano, violin, flute and guitar. Traditional dance reflecting the wide array of diversity in the Caribbean including Javanese dancing, intricate ballet, earthy folk plays, dramatic modern choreography, classical Indian movements, spontaneous improvisations and pop.
Visual arts Exhibitions include sculpture, graphics, paintings, drawings, and photographs. Craft demonstrations of ceramics, wood carving, painting and drawing.
Literature An anthology of new writing from the Caribbean region is produced for CARIFESTA, and authors often launch their works at the festivals. There are also poetry recitals and lecture discussions at universities and Conference centres.
Culture education Host countries such as Guyana and Suriname that boast diverse heritage showcase historical exhibits and anthropological studies of the
indigenous people. There are events and activities for children and families.
Host countries ==History==