Guyana will once again take centre stage in Caribbean culture when it hosts the 16th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) from October 8 to 17, 2027.
The announcement marks a significant cultural milestone for Guyana, which hosted the inaugural CARIFESTA in 1972. The return of the regional festival to the country more than five decades later is expected to showcase Guyana’s cultural heritage while providing a platform for the next generation of Caribbean creatives.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. officially announced Guyana’s hosting of CARIFESTA XVI on Thursday, September 10, during a meeting with CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett and senior officials of the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., along with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Seven Jacobs, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, and senior officials of the CARICOM Secretariat at the organisation’s headquarters in Georgetown.
The festival is expected to attract artists, cultural practitioners and audiences from across the Caribbean and other parts of the world, with activities spanning music, dance, theatre, literature and other forms of artistic expression.
Beyond the entertainment and cultural showcases, the government is positioning CARIFESTA XVI as an opportunity to further develop Guyana’s creative industries and expand opportunities for young people and cultural practitioners.
“Our mission is to deliver a festival that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and shared identity of our Region, while strengthening the bonds that unite us as Caribbean people,” Ramson said.
The minister said Guyana intends for the 2027 festival to leave a lasting impact beyond the duration of the event by creating opportunities for collaboration, professional development and international exposure for Caribbean artists.
“Beyond the performances and celebrations, we want CARIFESTA XVI to create a lasting legacy for Guyana and the Caribbean. It should open doors for our creative industries, provide greater opportunities for our young people and cultural practitioners, and demonstrate to the world the depth, diversity and excellence of Caribbean talent,” he added.
The festival is also expected to provide emerging artists with opportunities to collaborate with their regional counterparts, exchange ideas and explore new approaches to artistic and cultural expression.
For Guyana, CARIFESTA XVI will further strengthen the country’s role in regional cultural diplomacy by bringing together CARICOM nations through shared traditions, artistic practices and creative partnerships.
The hosting of the festival is also expected to complement Guyana’s expanding tourism and events sector. Thousands of regional and international visitors are anticipated to travel to the country, providing an opportunity to showcase Guyana’s cultural diversity, traditions and creative talent to a wider audience.
As preparations get underway, the government plans to draw on the experiences of the three most recent CARIFESTA host countries. Officials are expected to examine the successes and challenges of previous editions to help develop a festival that delivers meaningful benefits for artists, participants, audiences and the wider Caribbean community.
Guyana’s intention to host CARIFESTA XVI was formally signalled by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in July 2026.
The 2027 festival will therefore represent more than Guyana’s return as a CARIFESTA host. It will mark the homecoming of a major Caribbean cultural tradition to the country where it began, while creating a platform for Guyana and the wider Region to celebrate their heritage and promote the creativity of a new generation on the global stage.