Celebrating Caribbean Culture: The Anancy Festival at Island SPACE
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum buzzed with excitement as over 250 guests gathered for the fourth consecutive year of the Anancy Festival. This lively family event, deeply rooted in Caribbean folklore, storytelling, and cultural expression, has become a cherished tradition for families in South Florida and beyond.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Now in its 18th year, the Anancy Festival continues to fulfill its mission: connecting children of Caribbean descent with the rich traditions of their ancestors. Through stories, music, dance, arts and crafts, poetry, and performance, the festival brings the vibrant culture of the Caribbean to life.
Founded in 2007 by Xavier Murphy, the creator of Jamaicans.com, educator Cathy Kleinhans, and Dr. Andrea Shaw-Nevins, Dean of the Farquhar Honors College at Nova Southeastern University, the festival began in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Since then, it has blossomed into a global celebration, with past events held in cities across the U.S., Jamaica, Kenya, and Ghana.
A Day Full of Fun and Learning
This year’s South Florida edition, presented in partnership with Jamaicans.com and supported by various local organizations, welcomed families to immerse themselves in Caribbean culture through interactive activities. The character of Anancy the Spider, a beloved figure in Caribbean folklore, took center stage. Anancy symbolizes wisdom, mischief, and resilience, making him a perfect ambassador for storytelling.
Denise Taylor, portraying “Mrs. Anancy,” hosted the event, captivating the crowd with her storytelling, traditional ring games, and lively dancing. “It’s all about keeping our culture alive and making it fun for the kids,” she said, her enthusiasm infectious.
Xavier Murphy led a dramatization of an Anancy and Turtle tale, inviting young audience members to join in the fun. Laughter filled the room as children became actors in this light-hearted reenactment. Christina Gonsalves followed with a heartfelt reading from her book, Alzheimer’s Book for Kids, emphasizing the importance of empathy and intergenerational bonding.
Creative Corners and Carnival Spirit
In the craft room, children unleashed their creativity, making colorful Carnival headbands, masks, and glitter tattoos while watching animated Anancy shorts. Each hands-on station allowed them to explore folklore in a personal and engaging way.
Outside, classic Caribbean ring games like Brown Girl in the Ring and Those Who Born in January brought back nostalgic energy, leading to spontaneous dance sessions and a talent showcase. “It’s amazing to see the kids so engaged,” remarked a parent, smiling as her child twirled in a dance.
A standout moment was the Junior Carnival fashion segment, featuring performer Trudy Holder as Trinidad’s Dame Lorraine. Joined by Ms. Jamaica Women Entrepreneur 2025, Nina Simone, and teen participants in vibrant costumes, the museum transformed into a kaleidoscope of Caribbean colors.
A Growing Tradition
For the fourth year running, the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum proved to be the perfect venue for this cultural celebration. The Anancy Festival is more than just a day of fun; it serves as a living tribute to Caribbean identity, bridging generations through stories, music, and creativity.
As families left the festival, the smiles on their faces reflected a shared understanding: the tales of their ancestors are still alive and worth telling. What stories will the next generation share? The Anancy Festival ensures that the legacy of Caribbean culture continues to thrive, one story at a time.
