The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is set to illuminate with the vibrant rhythms and cultural richness of Diwali as it hosts the Diwali Dance Fest 2025 from October 9 to 11. This three-day extravaganza will bring together hundreds of performers from across the globe, with a special spotlight on Caribbean artists, including Trinidad and Tobago-born creators and dancers. Among them are cultural ambassador Natasha Laggan and the Devyani School of Cultural Arts, a troupe featuring dancers of Trinidadian, Guyanese, and Jamaican descent. For Laggan, this event holds profound personal significance. ‘I’m honoured to have been invited to cover it,’ she shared. ‘Seeing the Caribbean represented in such a major celebration fills me with pride.’ Laggan will document the event for her global audience, describing it as ‘a true privilege’ to witness Caribbean artistry on such a prestigious stage. The Devyani School of Cultural Arts, founded in 2009, will perform a fusion of Bharatanatyam, Indian folk, and chutney dance. Founder Priya Persaud emphasized the cultural affirmation behind their performance, stating, ‘We’re not just performing – we’re representing, educating, and inspiring.’ The event, now in its third consecutive year, follows the success of the 2024 festival, which garnered international attention and featured performances by over 300 artists. This year’s festivities include a welcome party, an international dance showcase, and a grand Diwali parade, marking a powerful shift toward cultural inclusion and appreciation.
Caribbean culture takes centre stage — Trinis illuminate Disney’s Diwali Dance Fest
