CARIFESTA XII Launch: a taste of vibrant, exciting event in August
CARIFESTA XII in Haiti next month promises to be a vibrant and exciting event if the regional launch is anything to go by!
Hundreds of Haitians and CARICOM delegates converged on the Ibo Lele Hotel for the regional launch of the regional mega-event on Tuesday evening. CARIFESTA will be held in Haiti 21-30 August.
Guest at the launch were treated to delicious Haitian fare, lively Haitian dances and an amazing cultural performance from Award winning Haitian Roots Band Boukman Eksperyans which closed the ceremony.
There were also speeches from Chairman of the Host Country Management Committee, Elsa Bassau Noel, Haitian Artistic Director Philippe Dodard, Haitian Minister of Culture, Dithny Joan Raton, and Programme Manager, Culture at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Hilary Brown.
Dr. Brown told the audience that CARIFESTA XII was a highly valued regional cultural space where the Caribbean proclaims its vision, values, talent and passion through the creative expressions from outstanding artists. She said it was the first time that CARIFESTA would be held in Haiti and and expressed thanks to the Government of Haiti for offering to host and invest in the Festival.
For many of us from the other Member States of CARICOM, CARIFESTA XII in Haiti represents a homecoming event. In creole, Lakay se Lakay – Home Sweet Home! As the theme that has been so appropriately selected for the Festival suggests, it is a return to Our Roots, to celebrate the diversity of Our Culture and to construct together the ideal Caribbean space for ourselves and for the generations to come by building – Our Common Future.”
According to her, the rich and proud history of the beautiful nation of Haiti, with its strong and resilient people, was one which brought so much inspiration to small developing states.
More information about the Festival can be accessed at the CARIFESTA XII website www.carifesta.net<http://www.carifesta.net> . The website can be viewed in both English and French. For current updates on preparation for the Festival you may also check Twitter,Instagramand Facebook.