In celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month, the International African American Museum (IAAM) is excited to partner with the annual Charleston Carifest as we celebrate the history, creativity, and artistic expression of Caribbean people. Highlighting a different country each year, Carifest features three days of food, fun, music, and costumes providing insight into Caribbean culture. This year, the Carifest will spotlight Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a southern Caribbean nation comprising of main island St Vincent and a chain of smaller islands. On June 13, the IAAM will host “St. Vincent & the Grenadines – The Global Carnival Experience,” a symposium and panel discussion to kickoff the festival and explore the history of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the roots and evolution of Carnival culture.

Carnival has been celebrated in the multi-island Eastern Caribbean state of St. Vincent & the Grenadines since the late eighteenth century. Today, there are many individuals and communities throughout the global African diaspora that celebrate and participate in Carnival festivities. From music to dance to artistic expression through costume and mask making, these celebrations of freedom and resistance have provided a space for the preservation and commemoration of Black culture. We invite you to join us on June 13 at IAAM as we learn about St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Carnival culture, and its international influence.