Did you know that on November 30th 2016, Barbados will be celebrating its 50th year of independence? It’s true! Joining in with the year-long reflection and celebration, Crane Concierge has put together a list of 7 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Barbados:
Barbados was initially referred to as Los Barbados or “the bearded ones” by the Portuguese who sighted the island en route to Brazil. The name referred to the island’s abundant fig trees (ficus citrifolia) which have a beard-like appearance from their long aerial roots.
A geographically flat island, Barbados’ highest peak is Mount Hillaby in St. Andrew which stands at only 1,115 ft. above sea level. However moderate it may be, the peak offers truly fantastic views to the east and the rugged Atlantic coastline.
The island’s capital - Bridgetown - derived its name from a bridge that was constructed in the area by the original Amerindian settlers. Settled by the English in the 17th century, early deeds referred to the area as The Indian Bridge and The Indian Bridgetown.
Established in 1639, the Parliament of Barbados is the 3rd oldest in the Commonwealth, surpassed only by those in Britain and Bermuda.
The last major hurricane to hit Barbados was Hurricane Janet in 1955. This luck has prompted the popular local saying “God is a Bajan”.
The Lord Nelson Statue, erected in Bridgetown’s Trafalgar Square (now National Heroes Square) on March 22nd 1813, is nearly 30 years older than the statue and square of the name in London.
South Carolina in the USA was originally settled by Barbadians in 1670.
Discover Barbados for yourself! Email reservations@thecrane.com for special offers and more information on luxurious accommodation at The Crane Resort.