Saint Lucia is set to take to the stage at CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean’s flagship arts and culture festival, running from August 22–30, 2025, in Barbados. The island’s delegation will present a diverse lineup of talent, spanning music, dance, theatre, masquerade, literary and visual arts, culinary arts, and film.
Artists were selected based on the quality and readiness of their work for international audiences, while those accepted directly by CARIFESTA received government support to facilitate their participation. The festival offers Saint Lucian creatives an unparalleled opportunity to gain exposure, develop professionally and expand their networks while also fostering their sense of national pride and regional unity.
Raymona Henry-Wynne, Executive Director of the Cultural Development Foundation, highlighted the significance of the festival: “CARIFESTA XV is more than a festival—it is a platform for transformation. Our artists are not just performing; they are representing the soul of Saint Lucia. Their presence will inspire, connect, and elevate our cultural identity across the region.”
The delegation includes some of Saint Lucia’s most celebrated performers:
Music
➤ Contemporary Folk Jazz: Augustin ‘Jab’ Duplesis
➤ Pure Jazz: Richard Payne
➤ Folk Music: Folk Ambassadors; led by Dyson Imbert, and all musicians from both folk and contemporary music
➤ Percussion: Lapo Kabwit and Genesis Drummers
➤ Soca: Teddyson John, Arthur Allain
Dance
➤ Traditional: Piaye Dancers, Claralites Traditional Dancers from Choiseul, Helen Folk Dancers
➤ Contemporary: Silver Shadow Dance Academy
➤ Rituals: Masquerade Youth in Arts
Literary Arts
➤ Novelist/Playwright: Mac Donald Dixon
➤ Spoken Word & Slam Poetry: Islie Nelson, Shyne Savory
➤ Visual Arts: Ken Lawrence
Theatre
➤ Play: Kesnoh written and directed by Mac Donald Dixon, with a cast of 9 persons
Rituals – Street Theatre
➤ Masquerade: Youth in Arts Theatre Company
➤ Bele: Members of the Piaye Community
Visual Arts
➤ Fine Art: 10 pieces from master visual artist Ken Lawrence
Film
➤ Mathurin Emmanuel (Shantaye’s World) and Dale Elliot (21Days)
Performances will take place from August 22–28, with Saint Lucia’s featured day on August 25. Audiences across the Caribbean and globally can follow the island’s journey online, with highlights, artist features, and behind-the-scenes moments shared throughout the festival.
The CARIFESTA showcase underscores Saint Lucia’s and, by extension, the region’s investment in its cultural economy, highlighting the creativity of local artists and viability of careers within the arts.
Meanwhile, the celebration of Saint Lucia’s culture continues at home. While CARIFESTA XV spotlights the island’s talent on a regional stage, preparations are underway for Jounen Kwéyòl 2025, the annual celebration of Creole heritage. This year, Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau will host festivities showcasing traditional music, dance, cuisine, and arts. The celebrations culminate on Sunday, October 26, in alignment with International Creole Day, forming part of a month-long series of events that promote the Kwéyòl language and preserve the island’s rich cultural traditions.