Caribana's Return: Barbuda's Festival Back This Year

Caribana is an annual carnival celebration held on the island of Barbuda. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes, the festival returned in 2022 with the theme 'Reviving our culture needs me and you, Barbuda'. The four-day celebration, from June 3rd to June 6th, included events such as the Little Mr and Miss Barbuda pageant, a fishing tournament, horse racing, and the Calypso Melting Pot. While the dates for Caribana 2024 in Barbuda are not explicitly mentioned in the sources, there is a reference to the Toronto Caribana, which will take place from July 31st to August 4th, 2025.

Barbuda Caribana Festival dates

The Barbuda Caribana Festival is an annual celebration of Barbudan culture. The festival was put on hold for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes.

In 2022, the festival returned and was held from May 29 to June 1, with the theme 'Reviving our culture needs me and you, Barbuda'. The festivities included the Caribana queen show, a calypso competition, the Leewards Islands Classic Horse Race, a car and bike show, a beach bash, and a food fair. The celebrations kicked off with an opening parade and the Little Mr and Miss Barbuda Pageant on June 3, followed by a Johnny DeSouza fishing tournament on June 4. On June 5, the highly anticipated horse race took place, followed by the Barbuda Calypso Melting Pot in the evening. The festival concluded on June 6 with J'ouvert morning and a food fair.

In 2023, the festival was held from May 16 to 20. The specific dates for the events during the festival are not readily available, but it likely followed a similar schedule to the 2022 edition.

The 2024 festival dates are yet to be announced, but it typically takes place over the long Whitsun weekend in late May or early June.

The 'Little Mr and Miss Barbuda' pageant

Caribana is back in Barbuda! After years of waiting due to the impact of hurricanes and COVID, the island will be celebrating Caribana from June 3rd to 6th, 2022. The four-day festival will feature a range of exciting events, including the highly anticipated 'Little Mr and Miss Barbuda' pageant.

The pageant is open to boys and girls, with separate categories for Little Mr Barbuda and Little Miss Barbuda. Contestants will be judged on various criteria, including their poise, public speaking skills, and their ability to showcase their unique personalities. They may be asked to share their aspirations, talents, and thoughts on what makes Barbuda special. The winners of the pageant will be crowned Little Mr and Miss Barbuda and will serve as ambassadors for the island's youth, representing the spirit and culture of Barbuda.

The pageant is an excellent opportunity for the children of Barbuda to shine and for the community to come together and celebrate. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging, as well as providing a platform for self-expression and cultural appreciation. The contestants' families and friends eagerly anticipate this event, and the entire island community rallies behind the participants, creating a joyful and supportive atmosphere.

Horse racing

Caribana is back in Barbuda! After a hiatus due to hurricanes and COVID, the island is ready to celebrate its culture and excitement with the world. One of the main events of the festival is the horse racing activity, which is a premier event during Caribana. The Caribana Classic Horse Race, as it is known, is a highly anticipated event that draws a large crowd.

The horse racing event is an opportunity for equestrians and horse-racing enthusiasts to showcase their skills and compete in a thrilling race. The race is organised by the Barbuda Council and the Tourism and Culture Committee, who ensure that the event is well-planned and executed. The race usually takes place on the Sunday of the Caribana weekend, with other exciting events like the Calypso Melting Pot in the evening and the J'ouvert in the morning of the following day.

The Caribana Classic Horse Race is not just a sporting event but also a celebration of the island's culture and heritage. It is an opportunity for the Barbudan community to come together and participate in a traditional activity that has been a part of the island's history. The race also attracts visitors and tourists who are eager to experience the unique atmosphere and excitement of the event.

The horse racing activity at Caribana is an important part of the festival, as it showcases the island's vibrant culture and community spirit. It is a chance for Barbudans to celebrate their heritage and for visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions. The race is also a platform for equestrians to display their talent and passion for horse racing, contributing to the overall excitement and success of Caribana.

In addition to the horse racing, Caribana offers a range of other activities and entertainment for all ages. There is the Little Mr and Miss Barbuda pageant, a fishing tournament, a food fair, and the highly energetic J'ouvert morning. The festival also features a Calypso competition, car and bike shows, and dancing in the streets, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Food fair

Caribana is back in Barbuda! After years of waiting due to the impact of hurricanes and COVID, the island will once again celebrate its annual carnival. The festival will be held from 3rd to 6th June 2022, under the theme "Reviving our culture needs me and you, Barbuda's Caribana 2022".

The four-day festival will feature a variety of events and activities, including the Little Mr and Miss Barbuda pageant, a fishing tournament, horse racing, the Calypso Melting Pot, and the highly anticipated J'ouvert morning. One of the main highlights of Caribana is the food fair, which will take place on 6th June, starting at 11:30 am. This will be a celebration of food, drinks, and music, showcasing the vibrant culture of Barbuda.

The food fair is an integral part of Caribana, and it is an opportunity for the Barbudan community to come together and showcase their culinary traditions. Visitors can expect to indulge in a variety of traditional dishes, each with its own unique history and flavour. The fair will also feature local producers and vendors, offering a range of delicacies and treats that reflect the island's cultural diversity.

One of the most exciting aspects of the food fair is the opportunity to interact with the local community and learn about their culinary heritage. Visitors can expect to find a vibrant atmosphere, with music and festivities accompanying the delicious spread. It is a chance for both locals and tourists to connect, share stories, and create memorable experiences together.

The food fair at Caribana is a celebration of not just food but also the resilience and spirit of the Barbudan people. It is a testament to their ability to come together and revive their cultural traditions, even after facing challenges and setbacks. This year's Caribana, including the food fair, promises to be a memorable event, bringing people together to celebrate life, culture, and the unique identity of Barbuda.

Barbuda Council

Caribana is an annual festival held on the island of Barbuda. It was first held in 1984 and is Barbuda's premier festival, sharing many similarities with Antigua's Carnival.

The festival usually takes place over five days, culminating on Whit Monday. However, in 2023, it was held from May 25-29, and in 2013, it took place from May 16-20. The festival includes a range of events, such as the 'Little Mr and Miss Barbuda' pageant, a fishing tournament, a horse race, a Calypso show, and the J'ouvert morning celebrations.

In 2023, the Barbuda Caribana Committee met with officials from the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission to discuss a scaled-down version of the festival due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2022. Yannick Beazer, the head of the Caribana committee, confirmed that the festival would go ahead, but the logistics and dates were yet to be finalised.

The Barbuda Council is closely involved in organising Caribana. In 2022, Calsey Beazer-Joseph, the Chairperson of the Tourism and Culture Committee, confirmed that the Barbuda Council would host Caribana. The Barbuda Council and the Caribana committee worked together to plan the festival and accepted a proposal for a scaled-down version with a weekend of activities.

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