June is Caribbean American Heritage Month, and one way to celebrate in Charleston is Carifest. Running from Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, You’ll enjoy the festivities, the food, and the fun. Let’s take a look at Carifest by day.
Thursday, June 20—Carifest Symposium
Meet us at the Avery Research Center at 125 Bull Street from 6–9 p.m. for a meet and greet with special guests Dr. Neil Parsan, Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador to the U.S. and Dr. Amil Ravanan, Trinidad’s Consulate General.
Friday, June 21—Masquerade Fete
A dinner and dance fundraiser for the Carifest Children’s Steel Band Project, the Masquerade Fete is a special event every year. Dress up in your favorite costume (with mask, please) and join us at the Marriott Hotel at 170 Lockwood Drive in Charleston from 7 p.m. to midnight. Dinner is served at 7:15, and the celebration is $50 per person. The honored guests will be Dr. Parsan and Dr. Ravanan.
Saturday, June 22—Carnival Street Parade, Cultural Festival in the Park, and White After Party
Beginning at 3 p.m., sit along the parade route from Ann Street to King Street to Sumter Street to Brittle Bank Park, and watch the colorful floats and entertainment. If you wish to participate in the parade, purchase a costume per the instructions here.
After the parade, enjoy a festival in the park with Indian and Caribbean dancers, reggae music and steel bands, and Caribbean food and drink. The White After Party takes place at 787 Bar and Grille at 5131 Dorchester Road.
To buy tickets, visit any of the following:
- Butterfly Consignment, 482 King Street
- Things Caribbean, 1644 Ashley Hall Road
- Monster Music, 946 Orleans Road
- Event Brite website for the event
For more information, visit the Carifest website.
