Bali is probably the last place you would look for a carnival. But Ethan Auguste has worked tirelessly to promote the Caribbean culture for over a decade with his events and entertainment company Caribbean Vybez.
“2024 marks the 15th anniversary of Caribbean Vybez, and since launching, I’ve pioneered [celebrating] the culture in the U.A.E., worked on events and collaborations in Geneva, and elevated the culture here in Bali,” Auguste tells Travel Noire.
Auguste is no stranger to bringing people together. When he moved to Dubai in 2009, he created and hosted a Caribbean party because he missed the music from his home. Auguste is from Trinidad and Tobago, the land of Soca, Calypso, Steelpan, and its iconic carnival.
Before moving to Bali, he lived in Geneva, Switzerland, for three years, where he hosted a creative exchange through his other platform, Thrive Collective. The collective showcases and brings the creative community together. Since its launch, Auguste has created a community of thousands of creatives and business owners across WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and an email distribution list. He created ThriveIN, a printed magazine distributed in more than 300 locations, and produces the podcast “Discover a Thriver.”
“It was in my soul to want to bring the Carnival experience to others in Bali with the hopes of inspiring people to visit my home,” he adds.
Bali Carnival will span seven days, with eight events between September 26 and October 2, 2024. In an interview with Travel Noire, Auguste discusses what carnival goers can expect as the event has gotten bigger and better since its official launch in 2022.
Travel Noire: Can you tell our readers what to expect this year?
Auguste: This year, we plan to take it to another step since the launch of the pilot events in 2022 and 2023. We are in talks with the Ministry of Tourism and other governments from the various CARICOM nations to come together during this cultural exchange. For the first time, we would be on the main road for the parade, hosting international acts and D.J.s.
Travel Noire: Why do you feel bringing a carnival to the area is important?
Auguste: The question would be, why not? The goal of Bali Carnival is not only to showcase the culture of the Caribbean but also to create a parade that celebrates everyone in the middle of Southeast Asia. I hope we can build this into something amazing. The backdrop of Bali alone creates an experience unlike anything else. I also believe it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase the other side of the world, the Caribbean, especially with Bali tourism on a high level, with over 300,000 visitors a month on average.
Travel Noire: What’s next for you in terms of planning events like this?
Auguste: I’m in talks with someone about holding the first ThriveXchange in Thailand in November, and I plan to spread it to other destinations in the near future. We are also working on Thailand Caribbean Weekender to be hosted in April 2025. I opened a Caribbean restaurant and plan to also give a taste of the Caribbean here in Bali. Other events we host include the Bali Colour Festival, Taste of Bali, Bali Spring Break, and more. The plan is to continue to build these events as staples in Bali.
Caribbean Vybez is partnering with Black in Bali, The Bali Weekly, Tempo, and more for the Bali Carnival. Visit the Bali Carnival website for more information, including a list of events.
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.