Caribana to be launched this evening

All roads lead to the streets of Codrington Barbuda for the 2023 staging of Barbuda’s Caribana.

Caribana, the sister island’s premiere festival opens this evening under the theme” Culture, Heritage Revelry, Barbuda’s Caribana 2023”.

Ruperta Beazer Committee member explains the opening day parade and the opening of the 2023 festival will get underway this evening moving off at 4 pm from the Tourism Building on Barbuda, through the streets of Codrington ending at Caribana city.

“We are also looking to have a T-Shirt Mas for today’s opening and it will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Anyone wishing to purchase a T-Shirt will have to come to the Tourism Building to purchase one before going on the Road,” Beazer said.

On Friday four ladies will compete in the Barbuda Caribana Queen Show, which will also feature a local designer who specializes in crochet pieces.

“Saturday is the beach bash. This will be taking place at Martello Tower starting at 10 am and it is going to the Beach Bash and Fishing Tournament,”

“For the Beach Bash, $10 gets you on foot $20 if you are driving in. There will be lots of entertainment and lots to eat and drink.

“The Fishing Tournament kicks off at 6 am, all boats must be in by 4 pm. The categories for the tournament include most weight, biggest fish, most different species of fish over 10 pounds, and the most Barracuda”, Beazer added.

Registration for the tournament is $300 per boat carrying a maximum of 3 passengers, the cost of registration increases which the addition of more passengers on each vessel.

Saturday evening Caribana City comes alive again with an all-star night featuring a host of regional and international acts and Calypsonians who will be competing in the Calypso Monarch Competition.

The Barbuda Classic horserace will kick off the activities on Sunday, May 28th. Later in the evening, the entertainment continues with the Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions.

Five artists will compete in the Calypso competition while 8 will do battle in the Soca segment.

The curtains come down on Monday, May 29th with J’ouvert in the morning and a Las Lap celebration in the evening.

Beazer said while accommodation may be concerning, she is encouraging everyone to come over.

Last year’s festival was curtailed significantly due to the pandemic and the restrictions on gatherings.