Since its inception, ten CARIFESTAs have been staged in eight countries, the most recent being held in Guyana in August 2008. In 2003, a new CARIFESTA model was developed, in an effort to restructure the Festival. The new model will institute a permanent management structure for the Festival and will ensure that CARIFESTA is a more dynamic and economically viable event that meets the expectations of regional and international audiences.
In 2011, Suriname offered to host the eleventh edition of CARIFESTA. At the Thirty-Third CARICOM Heads of State Meeting in St.Lucia held in July 2012, the President of Suriname informed the meeting that since the end of 2011 pre-CARIFESTA XI preparations started at both the Governmental and technical level.
President Michel Martelly was the first Head of State to publicly announce his presence at CARIFESTA by promising to "personally lead the delegation". Haiti will mark its presence in CARIFESTA XI in many categories such as art, fashion, music, dance...TiCoca, Mikaben, Bacoulou, Tabou Combo, Wyclef Jean, Bijou Lakay, Veve Collections, Miko Guillaume, Rapadou, Michel Chataigne, Maelle Creations and Collections Xaragua are only a few famous Haitian names that will keep the Haitian flag rising high during this event promoting Culture for Development.
According to Chairman of the CARIFESTA XI Host Country Management Committee (HCMC), Mr. Ivan Graanoogst, Haiti will be the next host. CARIFESTA XI will be held in Paramaribo, Suriname from August 16th to August 25th 2013 and will be broadcasted by Radio Télévision Nationale D'Haïti (RTNH) and Radio Télé Guinen (RTG).
