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UNESCO Transcultura supports carnivals as a tool for sustainable development |
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8 July 2022/ UNESCO Havana
Carnivals, one of the most deeply rooted popular celebrations in the Caribbean, are also a powerful tool for social cohesion and sustainable development. This was one of the conclusions of the UNESCO Transcultura programme workshop ‘Carnival of diversity: organization, management and creative value of carnivals and festivals in the Caribbean and Europe’, which took place on 5 and 6 July 2022 in the framework of the renowned Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba. The organization of the workshop was supported by the Casa del Caribe (Caribbean House) and the Ministry of Culture of Cuba. These institutions were represented by Orlando Vergés Martínez, Director of the Casa del Caribe, and Lis Cuesta Peraza, Coordinator of Events at the Ministry of Culture, who had a fruitful exchange with the participants.
Attended by representatives of carnivals and cultural festivals from Cuba, Dominica, Grenade, Haiti, Suriname, France and Spain, the event focused on the socio-economic importance of this type of celebrations and their opportunities to generate income through the diversification of tourism, fostering creativity and a sense of belonging.
"Our carnivals are much more than reverie and music. Their narratives, symbols and meanings can be leveraged to address social issues, build networks and empower community action."
Stephen Kelvin Jacob, Chief Executive Officer, Spicemas Corporation, Coord. of the Grenade carnival
During his visit to the Caribbean Festival’s activities, the president of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez participated in one of the workshop’s sessions, where he discussed with the representatives of Caribbean and European carnivals and festivals about the socioeconomic potential of culture and the importance of new technologies and social media to enhance its diffusion and outreach.
With a programme that combined presentations, panel discussions and focus groups, participants shared best practices and experiences in the organization and management of carnivals and discussed measures to ensure their sustainability, such as education, know-how, innovation, and diversification of funding in the post-COVID era. Through this exchange, Transcultura encourages networking and promotes cooperation among key carnivals and festivals in both the Caribbean and Europe.
"One of the main challenges for carnivals is that citizens continue being involved and participating in this celebration. There is a need to define a balance between commercialization and cultural tradition. We have to explore new languages and formats that, while respecting the deep cultural roots of these events, allow reaching a young public."
Caroline Constantin, Director of the Nice Carnival, France
The UNESCO Transcultura programme, funded by the European Union, harnesses diversity to build bridges between people and cultures from different linguistic areas. It is based on capacity building and the creation of opportunities for young people in the cultural and creative sectors in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Festival of Santiago de Cuba celebrates the region’s diversity
The workshop was held during the Caribbean Festival of Santiago de Cuba, one of Cuba's most important cultural events. With more than four decades of history, it celebrates the cultural and creative heritage of the region and its multiple exchanges and reciprocal influences. A meeting point for artistic groups that preserve the expressions of popular culture in Cuba and the Caribbean, its traditional Desfile de la Serpiente (Snake Parade) and the Fiesta del Fuego (Fire Festival) are the prelude to the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba, which is held every year at the end of July.
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Related Link(s): Cultural Industries, Art, Intangible Heritage, Cultural Diversity, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
, Cultural Policies, Culture and Development |
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