National delegations from 21 Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia, have converged in Trinidad and Tobago for Carifesta XIV, to showcase their cultural and creative talents.

The festival has evolved over its 46-year history, and is expected to generate greater value for key stakeholders like artists, cultural entrepreneurs, host and sending governments, and the CARICOM Secretariat.

A major highlight of the festival is the Carifesta XIV Grand Market at the Grand Stand Queen’s Park Savannah, where festival goers can shop, dine and lime.

Drenia Frederick, the Artistic Director for CARIFESTA's Team Saint Lucia, said: “This is an investment for producers and crafts persons to show what we can produce in terms of manufacturing. It’s also a means of networking. Many performers will be attending dance workshops, theatre, drama, music, and poets will be hosting poetry readings and lectures—it’s really an exchange. The festival is more than just itemized music on a stage. We discuss issues related to Caribbean life, our future, and how are we channeling this creative industry.”

Frederick stated that the parade and other facets of Carifesta allows for the infusion of different cultural practices.

The Saint Lucian contingent has been hard at rehearsals for the production entitled "A Little Folk Tale,” written by Monique Auguste and Jessie Mayers.

“A Little Folk Tale” will be staged at Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain, on Friday, Aug. 23.