Charleston Carifest – Celebrating Caribbean Culture & Heritage!

What is the Charleston Carifest?

Charleston Carifest is a Caribbean Carnival celebration by Caribbean people that is held in honor of Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This colourful Caribbean-American Carnival is all about artistic and creative expression! Charleston Carifest embraces diversity and unites the different cultures that make up the Charleston area.

There is no denying that Caribbean Islanders love carnival! It is without a doubt the most anticipated event of the year. Charleston Carifest is four days of fun, music, dance, costumes and good food that is all submerged in culture and education. Charleston Carifest will showcase various genres of Caribbean costumes, food and music from Reggae to soca!

When is Charleston Carifest?

Charleston Carifest will run over four days. The 2019 Charleston Carifest dates will begin on 20^th June, 2019 and finish on 23^rd June 2019. The event

Where is Charleston Carifest?

Charleston sits south of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina’s coastline and is located on the Charleston Harbour which is an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. The Charleston Harbour is held in Brittle Bank Park, Charleston, SC 29403.

How do they celebrate Charleston Carifest?

Charleston Carifest is seven events held over four days. Charleston will be filled with singing, parades, pageantry, music, drinks, food, dancing, foods friends and family. There will be performances from talented musicians, fairs selling local arts and crafts, food and drinks

Of course carnival is more than a big party! It is about exposing traditions that have been passed down year after year. It draws on European and African customs from music, costumes, dance and masquerades.

Charleston Carifest 2019 Events

Carifest Symposium

• Date: June 20^th, 2019
• Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Location: College of Charleston North, 3800 Paramount Drive N. Charleston, SC 29405

Carifest All White Fete

• Date: June 21^st 2019
• Time: 9:00 pm 
• Location: Canon street arts center, 134 canon street, charleston, sc 29403

Carifest Carnival Parade

• Date: June 22^nd, 2019
• Time: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Location: John & King Street

Carnival Village Celebration

• Date: June 22^nd June 2019
• Time: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Location: Brittle Bank Park, 181Lockwood Drive (across from the Police Station) Charleston, SC 29403 United States

Carifest Brunch

• Date: 23 of June
• Time: 1:00 pm
• Location: Canon street arts center, 134 canon street, charleston, sc 29403

Charleston Carifest Mas Parade

What is a Mas Band? If you are not familiar with Caribbean Carnival a mas band is an organisation of people who wear the same costumes. The costumed participants parade and dance together through the streets along with steelpan bands, soca bands or even a DJ. This is what is known as playing mas.  

So if you want to join in the fun and be part of the parade you can! But even if you just spectate from the sidelines you are going to have so much fun. The parade is lively filled with beautiful colourful costumes and the Caribbean tunes make everyone dance. 

How to get to Charleston?

If you are coming from far away then the closest airport is Charleston International Airport. Of course if you are nearby Charleston then you can bus, train or drive as there are Amtrak and Greyhound buses. To get a quote for a flight click here.

Where to stay in Charleston?

Charleston has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and levels of comfort. Please check out some accommodation deals here.

What to do and see in Charleston?

Charleston is an incredible place to visit. This historic port city was founded in 1670 and is defined by its gorgeous cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses, horse-drawn carriages, and its charming and elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. The Battery promenade overlooks Charleston Harbor and you can visit Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. Charleston is surrounded by natural beauty from beaches to greenery.

For more information about tours, things to do, sightseeing tours, day trips and more click here. Or if you are lucky enough to have a longer vacation then check out Tour Radar.