New Haveners — particularly those in tune with the diaspora and the many identities that it has created — will have one more reason to celebrate summer this Sunday when the city’s third annual Caribbean Heritage Festival rolls into Goffe Street Park.
According to founder and organizer Karaine Smith-Holness, there’s plenty of reason to spread the word about it.
Karianne Smith-Holness.
Smith-Holness spent some time in the WNHH studio with “The Show” host Michelle Turner to talk about the festival, which will run from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday afternoon, and be preceded by a small neighborhood walk starting at St. Luke’s Church at 1:30 p.m., intended to “say we are here” to New Haven’s greater public. An excerpt of their interview follows.
Why you think [Caribbeans] don’t [celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month]?
I can’t fully answer the question. Everyone has a different story. Everyone has their own struggle that can be hard to bring that up.
What is the theme [of the festival]?
Our theme will always be water divides us, culture connects us. Even though we are all from the Caribbean we truly don’t really know much about each other.
Are you offended by the term “Jamerican”?
No why should you? Because it’s a combination. Because they’re Jamaican descent born here. Caribbean nationals may not realize until we open our mouths we are all African-American.
Smith-Holness connected this question to her belief that Caribbean have African ancestry.
“Caribbeans tend to have a mentality that Caribbeans and Africans are polar opposites,” she said. “But it’s not an us and a them. It’s an us”
Do you have entertainment this year?
Our headliner is Isha Blender, and her father is Everton Blender. So it’s a big deal to be having her here.
So talk to me a little bit about the art and fashion end of all this.
We actually were hoping for a fashions show, but we aren’t going to do that. This year we’re actually going to have a parade of the island’s national costumes.
To listen to the full interview, click on or download the audio above. The Caribbean Heritage Festival is looking for additional help. If you are interested in volunteering you can visit the festival’s website or contact Smith-Holness directly at 203 – 509-1516, or her partner Paula at 203 – 494-8051 for general information or questions. If you would like to discuss further Vendor or Sponsor information you can contact Shermaine at 203 – 787-8438.