Bermuda is set to make a vibrant mark at the Caribbean’s premier arts and culture festival, CARIFESTA XV, taking place in Barbados from 22 – 31 August 2025. The Department of Culture, will be taking an 18-strong delegation as well as the work of Bermudian creatives to represent the island across multiple disciplines, including dance, music, visual arts, film, and thought leadership. The contingent will feature the island’s iconic Bermuda Gombeys, a diverse line-up of vocalists, and a curated selection of visual artworks in the festival’s virtual gallery display. Additionally, Bermudian fashions will be worn during the Opening Ceremonies and performances, while Bermuda will also contribute to the festival’s symposium series via a virtual presentation.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, welcomed the opportunity for Bermuda’s creatives to shine on an international stage, saying: “CARIFESTA is an extraordinary platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity of our island. From the rhythm of the Gombeys to the originality of our musicians and artists, this event allows Bermuda to connect with our Caribbean neighbours while sharing our unique story with the world.”
The Bermuda Gombey Council has selected a national Gombey representation comprising members from multiple troupes, including Gerkimo Gardner, Zane Hendrickson, Zaniko Hendrickson, Showande Butterfield, Bilal Binns, Earshun DeShields, Willis Steede, Jordan Lambe, Kahni Place, Chaziah Brown, Rieko Trott, and Harley Place. Vocalists Fire Wayne, Aalai Wolffe, Joy T. Barnum, and Kyra-Jaye Harvey will bring original Bermudian music to the festival. The virtual gallery, curated with the assistance of Bermuda Society of Arts Director Nzingha Ming, will feature works by Dion “The Creative” Greene, Dr. Edwin Smith, Kyle E. Simmons, Jayde Gibbons, Shanna Hollis, Antoine Hunt, Ian Tucker, Signe Constable, and Gherdai Hassell. Bermudians Gherdai Hassell and Tiara Webbe have been invited from CARIFESTA organisers directly to participate in the visual arts and literary arts sections, respectively.
Bermuda’s visual representation will be complemented by the fashion brand Holidae (formerly Bermunitees), designed by Shannon Philpott, whose designs will be worn by the delegation during the Opening Ceremonies and by Gombey drummers during performances. In addition, Bermuda will be present in the festival’s film segment, with final details to be announced. The island’s participation highlights the Government’s commitment to cultural exchange, creative excellence, and the celebration of Caribbean unity through the arts.
For more information on this year’s delegation, go to https://culture.bm/carifesta-xv-2025-barbados/.