Sep 11, 2026
2 min read
Guyana will host CARIFESTA XVI for the third time in its history, staging the Caribbean's premier cultural festival in Georgetown from October 8-17, 2027.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles S. Ramson made the announcement during a meeting with CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett and senior officials of the CARICOM Secretariat at the organisation's headquarters in Georgetown. He was joined by Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs, along with technical officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Education, who will help lead preparations for the festival.
Ramson said Guyana's selection carries historic weight, noting the country hosted the inaugural CARIFESTA in 1972.
"To welcome CARIFESTA XVI back to the 'Land of Many Waters' for the third time is both a tremendous privilege and an important opportunity to showcase the splendour of this unique Caribbean civilisation," he said.
The Minister said the festival is intended to celebrate the diversity, creativity and shared identity of the region while strengthening ties among Caribbean people. He added that CARIFESTA XVI will showcase regional art, music, dance, theatre and literature, and create opportunities for greater international cultural exchange and exposure for artists and cultural practitioners.
Ramson said organisers also want the festival to leave a lasting legacy for Guyana and the wider 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 said.
He said Guyana intends to draw on the experience of the three most recent CARIFESTA host countries, learning from past successes and challenges to strengthen preparations for participants and audiences across the region and beyond.
Barnett pledged the Secretariat's full support for Guyana's preparations, describing CARIFESTA as a cornerstone of Caribbean cultural expression.
"The Secretariat stands ready to provide Guyana with all the expertise, guidance and technical support necessary to ensure the successful staging of CARIFESTA XVI," she said, adding that each staging of the festival affirms the value of artists, strengthens cultural industries and nurtures new talent.
President Irfaan Ali formally signalled Guyana's willingness to host the next CARIFESTA during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in July 2026. (Reworked from CARICOM Secretariat release)
