CARIGHANA CARNIVAL

AUGUST EDITION PROGRAM OUTLINE

SOME GOOD MEMORIES

FROM THE MAIDEN EDITION HELD IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR

A Bit of Carnival History

For many Carnival lovers, carnival is a time to celebrate freedom, creativity, and self-expression. It’s widely seen as a joyous and unfiltered moment where people can let loose and embrace the energy of the season without judgment.

Carnival evolved from an honoring of African heritage and Caribbean culture, growing into a vibrant tradition that celebrates the spirit and resilience of the region. The roots of this event go deep, but while taking it in during your island escape, all you’ll need to think about is whether you want to watch from the sidelines or jump with a costumed band!

Carnival  can be traced back to Italian Catholics in Europe. The early ‘Shrovetide’ celebrations of these settlers later spread to French and Spanish colonialists, who then brought the traditions to Caribbean islands like Trinidad, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Haiti, Martinique, and others.

MORE ON CARNIVAL

There are a number of carnival characters that all have their own stories rooted in traditions and folkloreS. Saint Lucia’s djab djab, Dominican Republic’s El Diablo Cojuelo, Trinidad’s Baby Doll and Bookman are classic examples. There are many others throughout the islands, and their tales vary

Characters can typically be seen during the carnival parade (also known as Mas) in full-body costumes that can be eccentric and somewhat frightening. Each character has its own story to tell, so it is worth finding out all you can about them while enjoying

Carnival is more than just a high-energy cultural experience—it’s a lucrative industry for the many bands that participate each year, event promoters, costume designers, and everyone in between. Many countries see increased visitor arrivals during carnival season, with hotels and resorts often reaching full capacity. A schedule of smaller events typically leads up to and follows the main celebrations, so if you’re visiting any country during their carnival season, you’re in for a world of entertainment.

Insider tip: It can be a good idea to book your tickets and accommodation early to guarantee availability during the carnival season. Some people book their trips as much as six months to one year ahead of traveling!.

Carnival in Ghana is an exhilarating spectacle. Influenced by Western culture, this celebration is often compared to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival—though on a more accessible scale. Taking place in April and December of every year, it’s a colorful celebration of culture and identity. Costumes, masks, and iconic characters tied to folklore bring the streets to life.

 

CariGhana Carnival is a vibrant Caribbean-Ghanaian fusion carnival held every April and December, showcasing music, dance, fashion, and food from the Caribbean and Africa, celebrating their intertwined cultures and histories.

Homowo Fete: A one-day street festival that blends Ghana’s Homowo festival with the Caribbean’s Fete tradition. Held in August, it features a colorful parade, cultural showcases, VIP networking events, and community outreach.

The Session with Lady Bortey (Season 2): A powerful talk show focused on uplifting stories, community dialogue, and diaspora connections, airing Winter 2025 in Ghana.

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OUR FESTIVAL WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT

Please donate to support our community and festival. Allow us to continue to celebrate, raise awareness and to resist discrimination and oppression through our original music, masquerade performances, culinary experiences, and other expressions of our Caribbean culture.

 
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OUR SKILLED TEAM

Philip Annan

M.D.

Philip Annan is a seasoned Ghanaian journalist and broadcaster known for his impactful work across TV, radio, and corporate finance. With on-air experience at Viasat 1, Metro TV, Original TV, and Original FM, he brings versatility and professionalism to every platform.

O.T

Director of Events

O.T. is a seasoned entrepreneur and respected youth organizer with a strong track record in infrastructure development and community upliftment. He is known for leading impactful projects . A quiet philanthropist, O.T. He is also the owner of Sam’s Gas and the popular Afropoke Pub & Grill.

Lady Benita Bortey

Director of Int. Affairs, Branding and Communication

Lady Benita Bortey is a Ghanaian-American talk show host, motivational speaker, and branding strategist. Born in New York and raised between Ghana and Dallas, she launched her media career at 16, producing and hosting a local TV show. Today, she hosts The Session with Lady Bortey, a platform that empowers and uplifts voices from across the diaspora.

Obed Lartey

Director of Tourism and Hospitality

Obed Lartey is the founder of SankAfrik Travel & Tour. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing and a Master’s in Business with a focus in Marketing from Regent University. With over 8 years of marketing experience and 4 years in event planning and MCing, Obed also serves as a Senior National Admissions Advisor. He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Gideon Okyere Anim

Director of Media Relations

Gideon Okyere Anim, widely known as Gattuso, is a celebrated Ghanaian sports journalist, radio and TV presenter, and CEO of Power7 Entertainment. Known for his vibrant broadcasting style, Gattuso has made his mark on major stations including Peace FM, Asempa FM, Kasapa FM, and Kingdom FM. Currently he works at Original Tv and FM

Eileen Akushika Annan

Costume & Set Director

Eileen Akushika Annan is a Ghanaian entrepreneur making waves in the beauty and fashion industries. She is renowned for sourcing high-quality, luxurious perfumes from Dubai and curating them for discerning clients in Ghana. Her expertise in identifying unique scents has made her a trusted name in the local fragrance market.

George Galley

IT Director

George Galley is a Ghanaian media and communication professional with a strong foundation in digital marketing. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Knutsford University College, where he was actively involved in the Toastmasters Club, honing his public speaking and leadership skills .

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