Press Release
Charleston Carifest, a celebration in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, returns to Charleston from June 29th to July 1st, 2023. Last year, Carifest president Lorna Shelton Beck revealed that The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence, would be the nation highlighted this year.
In the past, other nations such as Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Guyana and others have taken center stage for three days of food, fun, music, and costumes submerged in education and culture.
“I am excited to once again bring Charleston Carifest to the Lowcountry,” said Shelton Beck. “This year, we are especially excited to recognize The Bahamas as the nation commemorates 50 years of Independence. We will have a variety of events and activities that will showcase the beauty and diversity of The Bahamas which has quite a few connections to Charleston dating back a few hundred years. We are delighted to have Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones and others joining us for 2023, and we are most grateful for the Bahamians who have come over the years to take part in Charleston Carifest.”
Shelton Beck, a respected Jamaican who has lived in Charleston since 1985, is known for her civic work and child advocacy, especially in the area of raising awareness to end sex trafficking.
She has been involved with Charleston Carifest since its inception in 2006 and has had participants from other cities, states and countries take part to create an authentic Caribbean experience.
Carifest will kick off on Thursday, June 29th, with an opening reception and an educational symposium. The symposium will feature presentations from Bahamian dignitaries, including the Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, Hon. Wendall K. Jones, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fred Mitchell. This will take place at the Beatty Center School of Business at College of Charleston, 5 Liberty Street beginning at 6 pm.
On Friday, June 30th, the all white fete, Fete en Blanc, will take place at Founders Hall, Charles Towne Landing at 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston. Tickets for this event start at $80, with options to purchase as a couple or table.
The festival will culminate on Saturday, July 1st, with the Charleston Carifest Parade. The parade will feature colorful masqueraders, vendors, marching bands, and dancers. The parade will start at 4 pm at John Street and King Street and will end at Brittlebank Park. While the parade is free, park entry is $15.
For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.charlestoncarifest.com.
