The 13th edition of the Caribbean’s biggest arts festival, CARIFESTA, is coming to Barbados.

The island nation will host more than 3,000 artists and artisans for the Caribbean Festival of the Arts, a showcase for arts including dance, music, theater, fashion, food and film.

“CARIFESTA embodies the spirit and vibrancy of the Caribbean community, culture, and civilization, and this Caribbean flagship is very close to our hearts,” said CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. “Since the staging of the first edition in Guyana in 1972, together, we have nurtured CARIFESTA over the last 45 years.”

LaRocque said the festival was particularly important following the passing of Nobel Laureate and St Lucia native Derek Walcott, a titan of Caribbean art.

“This regional launch comes at a time when the region mourns the loss of a distinguished son and a literary legend, Nobel Laureate Sir Derek Walcott,” he said. “To the Caribbean community, Walcott was a true cultural icon, a gift from Saint Lucia to the region and the world. He embraced the entire Caribbean as his own, his lyrical poetry and penetrative plays resounded with the spirit of the Caribbean civilization.”

The festival will run from Aug. 17-27.

— Caribbean Journal staff