The beautiful country of Barbados, in the southeastern region of Caribbean Sea, is known for its soft sand beaches. This small Island is all about celebrating life and the bounties life has to offer as year-round the people celebrate different kinds of festivities, paying tribute to the culture and the art of the region.

What Makes the Culture of Barbados Different?

Unlike many of the islands of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is very much influenced by Britain, the reason being its long history as a British colony. The island is unique as it is less mountainous and does not have much variety of animals and plants as most of the Caribbean islands have. The British influence is clearly visible as from the 17th century till the date of their independence in 1966, British ruled the land. The population though has its African roots intact and the glimpses of their African descents can be observed in full bloom during the festival seasons.

Famous Festivals of Barbados Island

Besides the cultural abundance, Barbados has a lot of festivals to offer, if you want to get an immersive experience of the cultures of Barbados, then plan ahead before the commencements of the festivals listed below.

The Crop Over Festival

This is the harvest festival focused on the celebration of the sugar cane crop. From June till August, the people celebrate the success of the sugarcane harvest. It all started in the 1780s when Barbados was the largest grower of sugarcane crops. The festival celebrates music, all things sugary including the famous sugar cakes, and the famous delicacies of the region just as the flying fish and cou cou. This festival also pays homage to the hard work of the farmers who work endlessly to keep the health of the crop in check. One can enjoy many events within the festival, the most common being the Steelpan Workshop, Urban Village, Bajan Fashion, Farmer Market and the Craft Markets.

Oistin Fish Festival

People of Barbados respect their communities for the work that they do, whether they be farmers or fishermen, paying tribute to them is a must. The Oistin Fish Festival started in 1967 and has become a yearly celebration since then. The festivities start at the Fishing village in Oistin during the Easter season, whereby everything related to fishing is celebrated and enjoyed. The communities hold fishing, boating, deboning competitions and they even exhibit to the people how expertly nets are thrown in the sea to have a good catch.

The Holder Festival

If you want to have the best experience of theater, opera or music of Barbados, then this art festival of Holder should not be missed. Celebrated at the plantation house which is 300 years old and the architecture of the place has its similarities with both, the English Architecture and architecture of the Barbarians. The mature tropical trees and the beautiful shrubs keep the whole atmosphere calm and party-like, where people enjoy the melodious opera, soulful music and yummy food.

Holetown Festival

The Barbadians keep their histories closer to their heart, the one example that can prove this claim is their famous Holetown festival. Celebrating the first settlers who came to the region on 17th February 1627, the festival celebrates the traditional food, art, folk singing and traditional dance of the region from mid-February onwards. The festival goes on for a week and gives a detailed overview of the Barbadian rich culture.

Other festivals that the people of the region celebrate include Jazz Festival, Gospel Fest, Music Award and the Wine & Rum Festival. 

Exploration and the Accommodation

If you are planning a trip to Barbados, make a checklist of these destinations that you do not want to miss when on the island. This little island has warm people and a welcoming environment, which make it all the more amazing to explore. The island gives an ancient British vibe with cricket, horse riding, polo and high tea being the norm in the area. Depending on your choice of adventure, you can choose the destinations from the list below. 

Barbados for Beaches

Anyone who cannot ever have enough of the beaches should go for Barbados for just that, the ultimate full-fledged beach experience. The Carlisle Bay with its beautiful Pebble Beach, Brownes Beach and the Bayshore Beach, you can have a swim in the deep turquoise colored seas. These destinations have a lot to offer than just a peaceful swim. You can go snorkeling, fishing and even diving to unleash the adventure soul of yours. If you are lucky, and end up waking in the morning, you can even observe how racehorses are bathed on these beaches.

For those who want to stay near the beaches, opt for Hilton Barbados Resort or the Aquatica Resort, they are literally the beach resorts! 

Bathsheba Bay

Those of you who are not up for swimming but want to experience the oceans, go for Bathsheba Bay, and experience surfing instead. You even have a variety of accommodations to choose from in the nearby areas. From the Atlantis Historic Hill Resort to ECO lifestyle and lodge, or a Rest Haven Beach Cottage to Arjan Apartment; live in the kind of accommodation you are comfortable with.

One more interesting activity attached with Barbados is the Catamaran Turtle and Shipwreck Snorkeling Cruise. This 3 to 4 hour trip is for those who want to experience marine life and cruising together.

Barbados for Horticulture

If you’re a budding horticulturist or just a hobbyist when it comes to gardening and plants, you will have a lot of green spaces to explore in Barbados. The list of gardens that anyone with the love of nature should explore when in Barbados include:

The Hunte Garden

Hunte’s Garden: Built with love, this garden is as if you have entered into a fantasy land. Designed by Anthony Hunte, the garden is designed on a slope the stairs of which take you into a densely green garden. This heaven of beautiful plants, both native or exotic, keeps one engaged due to the atmosphere they create with some spaces well lit with sunlight and other shaded with cool shade by trees. You can engross yourself into bird watching or just have a good time with your pet, but make sure your pet is trained and does not leap on the birds or other animals.

Rest Haven Beach Cottages and Lush Life Nature Resort can be booked for accommodation nearby the Hunte’s Garden.

Flower Forest

You know you want to get away from the hustle bustle of life, if you do then this beautiful rain forest is where you should be. Laden with a variety of flowers and trees, this place will surely let you have a blissful experience with nature.

Orchid World and Tropical Flower Garden

For the Orchid fans, this is the place to be. It is loaded with varieties of orchid plants and of course the native plants of the region. If you get tired of strolling, you can enjoy their popular drink Rum Punch at the shop in the vicinity.

If you want to enjoy a meal too after a hectic day, some famous restaurants like the De Hackett’s Place or Cafe A La Mer are nearby as well.

Andromeda Botanic Garden

One of the best gardens in the world with more than 500 plant species, this garden was made by Iris Bannochie in the 1950s. So far, it has won 3 medals for being nature’s haven. You might be surprised to find out that it is actually not natural but designed by a woman, yet it has a very organic feel to it. You can have the best experience of watching the biodiversity thrive here, just pack your bags right away and you’re good to go. Don’t forget to take your mosquito repellant with you.

Other famous places to enjoy in Barbados include Folkestone Marine Park & Museum or Sunbury Plantation Great House for historical glimpses into the lives of Barbadians. But if you are someone who lives for adventures then you should also visit Harrison cave, Barbados Wildlife Reserve or Animal Flower Cave.

From cottages to small huts or eco lodges, many options are available for environmentally conscious tourists. Depending on your budget you can always try different kinds of living spaces. 

For the Love of Food and Drinks

Barbados is famous for its Bajan food, it is amazing how such a small community has so much scrumptious food to offer that can tingle your taste buds and make your mouth water. The below 5 dishes and drinks are compulsory to experience the famous cuisine of Barbados.

• The CouCou with Flying Fish: Let your tastes have a joy ride with this yummy spiced fish caught directly from the seas and served with cornmeal and okra( the famous cou cou),  and rich curry. You will go for more!
  
• Conkies: An amalgamation of tropical, spicy and sweet flavors, conkies are made from coconut, sugar cane, pumpkin, corn flour and raisin. Though mainly enjoyed on 30th November, the day Barbadians celebrate their independence, it is amazing that these can be found whole year round to be savored.
  
• Black Cake: For those who have a sweet tooth, this cake of cherries and raisins and some rum is one of the famous desserts of Barbados.
  
• Cutters: Anyone who loves sandwiches would want to try this. Cutter, made with the famous salt bread, is served filled up with spices, veggies, meat of your choice and the spicy sauce of Barbados.
  
• Pina Colada: Have a taste of the tropical with this refreshing drink of pineapple and coconut cream.
  
• Sea Breeze: This drink is made with vodka and grapefruit with a hint of lime and is mainly enjoyed on beaches.
  

Other drinks that are popular are their Rum Punch, Mauby drink and Bank beer.

Safety First

You know traveling is hectic, therefore planning ahead saves you from headaches and last minute panicky situations. Here are the things that you need have to keep in mind when traveling to Barbados:

1- Avoid strolling during dark hours, plan most of your excursions in the morning and afternoon.

2- Licenced taxis should  be used to avoid any hassle later on.

3- Be polite with the locals and keep your valuables safe; it is no one’s responsibility to look after your valuable items.

4- Have fun but do not be reckless, don’t swim in areas that have rough seas, you don’t want to be in a difficult situation.

5- Respect wildlife and people of the area and keep your pet under leash to avoid them hurting animals or people.

Conclusion

Barbados is certainly worth traveling, from food to scenic sights, the place has a lot to provide for a luxurious vacation. Just be careful and keep your belongings with you or in a safe place such as the hotel. As a tourist, if you will respect the natives, you are likely to win life long friends for yourself.