June 1, 2025

Charleston Hosts Carifest Caribbean Carnival Celebrating Heritage

News Summary

Charleston is gearing up for the Carifest Caribbean Carnival in celebration of National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The event will take place on June 13 and 14, highlighting Antigua & Barbuda as the featured country. Activities will include a symposium with prominent speakers, live music, art, and food, emphasizing the cultural contributions of Caribbean Americans. The carnival aims to honor Caribbean heritage and foster community engagement through vibrant festivities showcasing the rich cultural traditions of Caribbean nations.

Charleston to Host Carifest Caribbean Carnival Celebrating National Caribbean American Heritage Month

Charleston will celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month with the Carifest Caribbean Carnival, hosted by the Healthy Lifestyle Network, on June 13 and 14. This year, the spotlight will be on Antigua & Barbuda as the featured country.

The carnival is designed to honor Caribbean heritage and recognize the contributions of Caribbean Americans to the cultural landscape of the United States. The event not only showcases the resilience and creativity of the Caribbean community but also serves as a vibrant display of the traditions and cultural richness shared among Caribbean nations.

Event Details and Highlights

The festivities will kick off on Friday, June 13, with a Carifest Symposium and Opening Reception, featuring prominent speakers from various fields. Among them are Patricia Tonge Edigin, a philanthropist and president of the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival; Isabelle Britto, Associate Curator at the International African American Museum, who focuses on global Black histories and Caribbean emancipation; and Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs for Antigua & Barbuda. This symposium will be moderated by Dr. Alison McLetchie, a respected professor from South Carolina State University.

On Saturday, June 14, attendees can look forward to an afternoon filled with live music, art, food, and cultural festivities, starting at 4 p.m. in North Charleston. The carnival will feature a variety of activities designed to engage the community and promote Caribbean culture.

Background and Historical Context

Founded in 2006, the Charleston Carifest aims to preserve and promote Caribbean cultural heritage. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant event, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of Caribbean culture within the broader American context. This year’s celebration will further build on that legacy, with additional festivities planned for June 29 through July 1, spotlighting the Bahamas as it commemorates its 50th independence anniversary.

The extended festival will feature an educational symposium, Fête en Blanc (an all-white party), and a Carifest parade filled with colorful floats and energetic performers. Major speakers for this event will include Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Bahamas; Anthony Moss, Consulate General; and Wendall K. Jones, Bahamas Ambassador to the U.S. The parade will culminate with a family-oriented Cultural Explosion at Brittlebank Park, set to start at 3 p.m.

Community Engagement and Cultural Activities

The Cultural Explosion will highlight local cuisine, featuring a variety of food vendors and performances from Bahamian artists. Admission to the Cultural Explosion event is affordable, with entry priced between $15 and $20. Attendees can participate in engaging activities such as making Junkanoo hats, enjoying a pineapple eating contest, and watching straw basket weaving demonstrations. These interactive offerings are designed to educate visitors about the importance of Caribbean heritage in America.

Mission of the Carifest

The founder of the Charleston Carifest, Lorna Shelton Beck, emphasizes the festival’s vital role in promoting and preserving Caribbean culture while also educating future generations about their heritage. The carnival not only provides a platform for the community to come together but it also enhances awareness of the vibrant traditions that Caribbean Americans contribute to the diverse cultural fabric of the United States.

The Carifest Caribbean Carnival promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, celebrating the beauty and diversity of Caribbean culture while fostering community spirit and understanding.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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