Hundreds of dancers, artists, musicians, actors and cultural exponents, representing these countries are set to entertain visitors during the gala event which has been described as the “Greatest Cultural Mix of All Time”.

One of the most important features of CARIFESTA VIII will be the Grand Market, in which all participating countries will have an opportunity to showcase their respective art and craft traditions.

The Grand Market will serve as the centrepiece for the festival displaying culinary art, a postage stamp exhibition, woodcarving demonstrations, a book fair, fashion shows and presentations on traditional medicine and their uses. Visitors will also be treated to a Caribbean Film Festival on arts and craft, a floral show, and the art and design of jewellery.

The events/activities for CARIFESTA VIII will include special trips to the natural habitats of some of the indigenous peoples of the vast land of Suriname for cultural performances and displays.

In the spirit of Caribbean kinship and common interest, artists from participating countries will paint a mural at the Suriname’s Institute for the Education of Teachers IOL. The mural is meant to represent a collective sharing of experiences that will leave a historic landmark in the Dutch Republic.

Suriname has vowed to give the festival its own distinctive flavor. The country itself is a melting pot of all ethnic diversities and cultures known in the Caribbean. Organizers assure therefore, that CARIFESTA VIII will be more than just another display of Caribbean art and culture. It will be a reunion of the Caribbean Family and a sharing of excellence.

Expectations are that the event will be an unforgettable experience for the Caribbean people and for Suriname in particular. The twelve Caribbean countries that have so far indicated their interest in participating are fellow CARICOM Members: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos.

Other participating Caribbean countries include: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, The Netherland Antilles and Cuba; and further afield, Ghana, India, China, Indonesia, Holland and United States of America.