Cuba Wraps Up 44th Caribbean Festival, Looks Ahead to Colombia-Themed 2026 Edition

After a week filled with vibrant cultural celebrations, artistic showcases, and meaningful conversations about identity and unity, the 44th Caribbean Festival—also known as the Fiesta del Fuego—came to a spirited close in Santiago de Cuba.

The grand finale featured the traditional burning of the devil, a symbolic gesture marking the end of the festival, accompanied by a colorful street parade pulsing with Caribbean rhythms and energy.

A highlight of the closing ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to Orlando Verges, Director of the Casa del Caribe and a driving force behind the event. Verges was honored with the prestigious “Jose Martí Mausoleum” Distinction for his lifelong dedication to preserving Caribbean cultural identity and for his pivotal role in the festival’s success over the years.

Throughout the week, the festival brought together artists, scholars, and delegations from across the region. TV BRICS partnered as the official media outlet, helping to spotlight the importance of cultural exchange across the Caribbean and beyond.

Looking to the future, a significant announcement was made: the 2026 edition of the Caribbean Festival will be dedicated to Colombia, with a special focus on its indigenous cultures and African diaspora. This next edition promises to be as dynamic and deeply rooted in cultural heritage as ever.

During the festival, a strategic meeting was held between the Governor of Santiago de Cuba, Manuel Falcón, the Provincial Director of Culture, Raulicer García Hierrezuelo, and the Colombian delegation, led by Senator Gloria Flórez. Plans are already in motion to build cultural bridges and ensure strong Colombian representation for the 2026 celebration.

As this year’s festival draws to a close, the countdown begins for what is expected to be a remarkable cultural gathering in two years—one that will continue to honor the rich traditions and shared heritage of the Caribbean and Latin America.