As Guyana advances efforts to host the 16th edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) 2027, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport Steven Jacobs anticipates the creation of a transformative platform to showcase a range of local talents.
Guyana has intensified preparations for CARIFESTA 2027, with major discussions already held with senior government officials and representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at its secretariat in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, on Monday.
CARIFESTA, which has been hailed as “the inspirational exchange of creative flows,” was first held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1952.
Guyana later recognised the importance of preserving its culture and supporting local talent, and from that came the idea of hosting the first Caribbean Festival of Arts in Guyana in 1972.
Since the inception of CARIFESTA, the country’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, with storytelling, literature, music, dance, and other creative expressions becoming key contributors to Guyana’s Orange Economy.
CARIFESTA 2027 is expected to provide storytellers, performers, visual artists, and other creatives with access to new opportunities while contributing to Guyana’s growing creative and cultural sector.
Speaking at the Old Wives and Tall Tales Storytelling Festival at Castellani House on Thursday, Minister Jacobs stressed that Guyana’s diversity is culturally rich and that storytelling is an important part of preserving that heritage.
Against this backdrop, Minister Jacobs explained that events like these will prepare performers for the bigger stage.
He highlighted the importance of children enjoying and listening to the storytelling experience.
The minister noted the importance of passing down these traditions to younger generations.
