festivites
1. Crop Over Festival - This is Barbados' biggest cultural festival, celebrating the end of the sugar cane crop season. It takes place from June to August and features events such as parades, calypso competitions, and parties. The festival culminates in Grand Kadooment Day, a colorful street parade featuring elaborate costumes, music, and dancing.
2. Holetown Festival - Held in mid-February in Holetown, St. James, this festival celebrates the arrival of the first settlers to Barbados in 1627. The week-long event includes live music, craft fairs, street parades, and historical reenactments.
3. Oistins Fish Festival - This festival celebrates Barbados' fishing heritage and takes place over Easter weekend in Oistins, Christ Church. It features fish-cooking competitions, a fish market, live music, and a street fair.
4. Bridgetown Market - Held during the first week of August in Bridgetown, this festival features local food, crafts, and entertainment. It includes a street fair, calypso music, and steel pan performances.
5. National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) - NIFCA takes place in November and December and showcases the best of Barbadian performing arts, including music, dance, drama, and visual arts. The festival provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and compete for awards.
6. Emancipation Day - This public holiday in Barbados falls on August 1st and marks the day when slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1834. The day is celebrated with cultural events, including lectures, church services, and concerts.
7. Christmas - Although Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world, Barbadians have their own unique traditions. Christmas Day starts with a church service followed by a large family meal featuring traditional Bajan dishes, such as ham, sweet potato pie, and jug-jug. The holiday season also includes carol singing, parties, and a popular Boxing Day horse race at the Garrison Savannah.
seasons
Barbados generally has two tourist seasons:
1. Winter Season: December to mid-April
Recommendation: This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. However, the weather is mild and dry during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
2. Summer Season: Mid-April to November
Recommendation: This is Barbados' off-season, so you'll find lower prices and fewer crowds. The weather is warmer and there's a greater chance of rain, but this is also when you'll find many festivals and events taking place on the island, making it a great time to experience local culture.
visa
As of my knowledge cutoff date, September 1, 2021, the following were the special visa rules for citizens of selected countries visiting Barbados:
1. Visa-free travel for up to six months is allowed for citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union.
2. Citizens of certain countries, such as China, India, and Nigeria, require a visa to enter Barbados. The cost of a single-entry visa was approximately $100 USD at that time.
Please note that visa rules and costs can change over time, so it's always best to check with the relevant authorities for the latest information.
souvenirs
1. Rum - Barbados is known for its rum, and buying a bottle as a souvenir is a great idea. Prices vary depending on the brand and size, but you can expect to pay between $15-$50 USD. You can buy rum at any local supermarket or liquor store.
2. Bajan seasoning - A blend of spices used in traditional Bajan dishes. You can purchase it for around $5-$10 USD at supermarkets such as Massy Stores or SuperCentre.
3. Handcrafted pottery - Local artisans create beautiful pottery pieces that reflect the island's culture and history. The prices for these items vary based on size and design, but you can expect to pay $20-$150 USD. Some good places to buy pottery are Earthworks Pottery and Chalky Mount Potteries.
4. Conkies - This is a sweet treat that is popular during festivals and special occasions in Barbados. It is made with cornmeal, coconut, pumpkin, raisins, and spices, and wrapped in banana leaves. You can find conkies at bakeries and street vendors for around $1-$3 USD.
5. Mahogany crafts - Mahogany is a type of wood that is native to Barbados and is used to create unique and beautiful craft items. These items include jewelry boxes, picture frames, and sculptures. Prices vary depending on the item's size and complexity, but you can expect to pay around $25-$200 USD. Look for mahogany crafts at stores like Best of Barbados and Ganzee.
6. Artwork - Barbados has a vibrant art scene, and you can find many galleries showcasing the work of local artists. Paintings, sculptures, and prints range in price from $50-$5,000 USD, depending on the artist and piece. Check out galleries like Gallery of Caribbean Art and Zemicon Gallery.
7. T-shirts and clothing - You can find a variety of T-shirts and clothing with Barbadian designs and logos at local shops and markets. Prices range from $10-$50 USD, depending on the item's quality and design. Try stores like Cave Shepherd or Urban Vybz for clothing options.
Note: Prices are subject to change depending on various factors such as location, time, and availability.
If you have 1 week
Great to hear that you are in Barbados! Here's a one-week itinerary that I would suggest for you:
Day 1: Harrison's Cave
Start your trip with a visit to the beautiful underground world of Harrison's Cave. You can take a tram tour through the cave and explore its waterfalls, streams, and pools. It is a unique experience that will leave you in awe.
Day 2: Animal Flower Cave
On day two, head north to St. Lucy and visit the beautiful Animal Flower Cave. This cave offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its natural swimming pools. You can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the caves.
Day 3: Hunte's Gardens
Take a peaceful stroll through the serene Hunte's Gardens on day three. This garden is beautifully landscaped and filled with tropical plants, flowers, and trees. It's a perfect place to relax and unwind while taking in the natural beauty of the island.
Day 4: Sunbury Plantation House
Explore the rich history of Barbados on day four by visiting the Sunbury Plantation House. The plantation house is over 300 years old and gives visitors an insight into the island's colonial past. You can take a guided tour of the house and surrounding gardens.
Day 5: Oistins Fish Fry
Spend Friday night at the famous Oistins Fish Fry, where locals and tourists alike gather for a night of delicious food, drinks, and music. You can try some of the freshest seafood on the island, dance to the live music, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Day 6: Bridgetown
Take a day trip to the capital city of Bridgetown on day six. Explore the historic buildings and monuments, including the UNESCO-listed Garrison Historic Area, the Parliament Buildings, and the statue of Lord Nelson.
Day 7: Beach Day
Spend your last day in Barbados relaxing on one of the island's beautiful beaches. You can choose from any of the stunning beaches along the west coast, such as Mullins Bay, Paynes Bay, or Sandy Lane Beach. Soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the beauty of this tropical paradise.
I hope you have an amazing time exploring these wonderful places in Barbados!
If you have 2 weeks
Hello there! It's great to hear that you're in Barbados! As a DAN, I can suggest an itinerary that is unique and exciting.
First, I recommend exploring Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. You should visit the historic sites such as St. Michael's Cathedral, Heroes Square, and the Parliament Buildings. You might also enjoy visiting the George Washington House, where George Washington stayed during his only trip outside of the United States.
Next, you should venture out to Harrison's Cave. This natural wonder is a stunning limestone cave system with underground pools, streams, and waterfalls. You can take a tour on a tram, and learn about the geological history of the island while admiring its natural beauty.
Then, take a day trip to Bathsheba Beach. This beach is known for its rugged landscape and big waves, which makes it perfect for surfers. You can also explore the nearby Andromeda Botanic Gardens or have a picnic on the shore.
Another must-visit attraction is the Four Square Rum Distillery. Here, you can learn about the process of making rum and sample the different types they produce. You can even bring some back home as a souvenir.
If you're interested in wildlife, then you should visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. You can see animals like green monkeys, peacocks, and tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. It's a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Finally, end your trip with a relaxing day at one of the many beautiful beaches in Barbados. Some of the most popular ones include Crane Beach, Miami Beach, and Bottom Bay. You can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the tropical scenery.
I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for what to do in Barbados! These attractions offer a mix of history, nature, and culture, making it a well-rounded vacation experience. Enjoy your trip!
Culture
Barbados is a blend of West African, Portuguese, Creole, Indian and British cultures. Citizens are officially called Barbadians. The term "Bajan" (pronounced BAY-jun) may have come from a localised pronunciation of the word Barbadian, which at times can sound more like "Bar-bajan"; or, more likely, from English bay ("bayling"), Portuguese baiano.
The largest carnival-like cultural event that takes place on the island is the Crop Over festival, which was established in 1974. As in many other Caribbean and Latin American countries, Crop Over is an important event for many people on the island, as well as the thousands of tourists that flock to there to participate in the annual events. The festival includes musical competitions and other traditional activities, and features the majority of the island's homegrown calypso and soca music for the year. The male and female Barbadians who harvested the most sugarcane are crowned as the King and Queen of the crop. Crop Over gets under way at the beginning of July and ends with the costumed parade on Kadooment Day, held on the first Monday of August. New calypso/soca music is usually released and played more frequently from the beginning of May to coincide with the start of the festival.
Bajan cuisine is a mixture of African, Indian, Irish, Creole and British influences. A typical meal consists of a main dish of meat or fish, normally marinated with a mixture of herbs and spices, hot side dishes, and one or more salads. A common Bajan side dish could be pickled cucumber, fish cakes, bake, etc. The meal is usually served with one or more sauces. The national dish of Barbados is cou-cou and flying fish with spicy gravy. Another traditional meal is pudding and souse, a dish of pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes. A wide variety of seafood and meats are also available.
The Mount Gay Rum visitor's centre in Barbados claims to be the world's oldest remaining rum company, with the earliest confirmed deed from 1703. Cockspur Rum and Malibu are also from the island. Barbados is home to the Banks Barbados Brewery, which brews Banks Beer, a pale lager, as well as Banks Amber Ale. Banks also brews Tiger Malt, a non-alcoholic malted beverage. 10 Saints beer is brewed in Speightstown, St. Peter in Barbados and aged for 90 days in Mount Gay 'Special Reserve' Rum casks. It was first brewed in 2009 and is available in certain Caricom nations.
Religion
Christianity is the largest religion in Barbados, with the largest denomination being Anglican (23.9% of the population in 2019). Other Christian denominations with significant followings in Barbados are the Catholic Church (administered by Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown), Pentecostals (19.5%), Jehovah's Witnesses, the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Spiritual Baptists. The Church of England was the official state religion until its legal disestablishment by the Parliament of Barbados following independence. As of 2019, 21% of Barbadians report having no religion, making the non-religious the second largest group after Anglicans. Smaller religions in Barbados include Hinduism, Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Judaism.
The state is considered secular, guaranteeing freedom of religion or belief to all and featuring only symbolic allusions to a higher power in the preamble to the constitution.
Demographics
The 2010 national census conducted by the Barbados Statistical Service reported a resident population of 277,821, of which 144,803 were female and 133,018 were male.
The life expectancy for Barbados residents is 80 years. The average life expectancy is 83 years for females and 79 years for males (2020). Barbados and Japan have the highest per capita occurrences of centenarians in the world.
The crude birth rate is 12.23 births per 1,000 people, and the crude death rate is 8.39 deaths per 1,000 people. The infant mortality rate is 11.63 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
Close to 90% of all Barbadians (also known colloquially as "Bajan") are of Afro-Caribbean ancestry ("Afro-Bajans") and mixed ancestry. The remainder of the population includes groups of Europeans ("Anglo-Bajans" / "Euro-Bajans") mainly from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Italy. Other European groups consisted of the French, Austrians, Spaniards, and Russians. Asians, predominantly from Hong Kong and India (both Hindu and Muslim) make up less than 1% of the population. Other groups in Barbados include people from the United States and Canada. Barbadians who return after years of residence in the United States and children born in America to Bajan parents are called "Bajan Yankees", a term considered derogatory by some. Generally, Bajans recognise and accept all "children of the island" as Bajans, and refer to each other as such.
The biggest communities outside the Afro-Caribbean community are:
* 1) The Indo-Guyanese, an important part of the economy due to the increase of immigrants from partner country Guyana. There are reports of a growing Indo-Bajans diaspora originating from Guyana and India starting around 1990. Predominantly from southern India, they are growing in size but are smaller than the equivalent communities in Trinidad and Guyana. The Muslim Barbadians of Indian origin are largely of Gujarati ancestry. Many small businesses in Barbados are run and operated by Muslim-Indian Bajans.
* 2) Euro-Bajans (5% of the population) have settled in Barbados since the 17th century, originating from England, Ireland, Portugal, and Scotland. In 1643, there were 37,200 whites in Barbados (86% of the population). More commonly they are known as "White Bajans". Euro-Bajans introduced folk music, such as Irish music and Highland music, and certain place names, such as "Scotland District", a hilly region in the parish of St. Andrew. Among White Barbadians there exists an underclass known as Redlegs comprising followers of the Duke of Monmouth after his defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor, as well as the descendants of Irish indentured labourers and prisoners imported to the island. Many additionally moved on to become the earliest settlers of modern-day North and South Carolina in the United States. Today the Redlegs number only around 400.
* 3) Chinese-Barbadians are a small portion of Barbados's wider Asian population. Chinese food and culture is becoming part of everyday Bajan culture.
* 4) Lebanese and Syrians form the island's Arab Barbadian community.
* 5) Jews arrived in Barbados just after the first settlers in 1627. Bridgetown is the home of Nidhe Israel Synagogue, one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the Americas, dating from 1654, though the current structure was erected in 1833, replacing one ruined by the hurricane of 1831. Tombstones in the neighbouring cemetery date from the 1630s. Now under the care of the Barbados National Trust, the site was deserted in 1929 but was saved and restored by the Jewish community beginning in 1986.
* 6) In the seventeenth century, Romani people were sent from the United Kingdom to work as slaves in the plantations in Barbados.
English is the official language of Barbados, and is used for communications, administration, and public services all over the island. In its capacity as the official language of the country, the standard of English tends to conform to vocabulary, pronunciations, spellings, and conventions akin to, but not exactly the same as, those of British English. For most people, however, Bajan Dialect is the language of everyday life. It does not have a standardised written form, but it is used by over 90% of the population.
Christianity is the largest religion in Barbados, with the largest denomination being Anglican (23.9% of the population in 2019). Other Christian denominations with significant followings in Barbados are the Catholic Church (administered by Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown), Pentecostals (19.5%), Jehovah's Witnesses, the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Spiritual Baptists. The Church of England was the official state religion until its legal disestablishment by the Parliament of Barbados following independence. As of 2019, 21% of Barbadians report having no religion, making the non-religious the second largest group after Anglicans. Smaller religions in Barbados include Hinduism, Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Judaism.
The state is considered secular, guaranteeing freedom of religion or belief to all and featuring only symbolic allusions to a higher power in the preamble to the constitution.
Cities:
