![](https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/n-vjhclj-623x400.jpg)
Exploration of how science fiction, fantasy, African history, carnival + travel all feature in the pioneering Animekon festival in Barbados
Barbados is host to an annual science fiction/fantasy/gaming/pop culture and travel festival each August. Animekon attracts 5000 people over 4 days .It is the first and best such event in the Caribbean but no longer unique as similar events now take place in St Lucia and Trinidad.
This presentation will feature the event creators speaking on the history and future of this pioneering event.We will also mention some of the many links that can be found in the science fiction/fantasy world to the Black experience in the Caribbean and the link to African culture/ mythology and carnival.
We will cover:
- Carnival and Cosplay what’s the difference?
- The role of culture in travel;Carnival/Kadooment, beaches and hotels
- The Black experience in science fiction and fantasy worlds
- How to build a cultural phenomenon
- Hidden African history in plain sight the Dogon connection
- Caribbean creative talent animation, film-making, costumes and photography
- The rise of the Black Traveller and holding tourism producers to account
- Life in Barbados after COVID 19 and travel opportunities for 2021
- Creators using African/Caribbean mythology rather than European myths
We will also feature the Black Travel Alliance group and their ‘Pull Up’ campaign for racial equality in the travel industry. Plus Q&A with all of the panellists.
This is an online event. The Zoom link will be sent 90 minutes before the start. Please check your junk mail as certain email servers indentify this content as spam.
AnimeKon is the Eastern Caribbean’s best pop-culture convention and the ultimate Geekcation destination held annually in Barbados since 2010.
AnimeKon is a 4-day celebration of all the things you know, and love, about pop-culture and entertainment including anime, comics, gaming, film, television and cosplay; all with a heavy dose of Caribbean charm and adventure.
Previous guests have included Levar Burton, Kelly Hu, Kevin Grevioux, Phil LaMarr, Manu Bennett and Olivia Olson. The event attracted just over 6000 fans from around the Caribbean during its 2019 run.