Barbados a small island filled with rich culture which is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is home to several events per year which are ideal for the enjoyment of everyone. The Crane Concierge has put together a list of annual events which take place in Barbados and are the best times to visit to experience pure Barbadian culture.
Crop Over Festival
Looking for festive fun? The Crop Over Festival is summer festival which began in Barbados in the 1700's to mark the conclusion of a successful sugar cane harvesting season. The entire season runs from July to August, and includes parties, boat rides, galas and parades among others. The week leading up to the grand climax - Kadooment Day, is always packed with several festive activities which are thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The Kadooment Day Parade, which is always held on the first Monday in August, is a highly anticipated sea of colours and calypso, where revelers take to the streets in celebration, to dance and parade in jeweled and feathered costumes in their respective bands. Whether you take part in the street parade or just watch, it is always a grand time! People travel from all over the world to experience the Crop Over Festival and to experience this aspect of Barbadian culture.
Reggae Festival
It is said that music is a universal language and in Barbados, the Reggae Festival brings people from all over the world together. It falls in the month of April each year. This festival comprises of several live shows rich in Caribbean culture. Some of these events include the Vintage Reggae Show featuring artists from the older school; Reggae Beach Party which features younger dancehall and reggae artists and the grand finale, Reggae on the Hill which takes places at the famous Farley Hill National Park and is the perfect blend of younger and older artists from different Caribbean countries, much to the pleasure of the large crowd of fans.
Oistins Fish Festival
This festival began in 1977 and is held at the world famous town of Oistins in Barbados. It is the celebration of the persons in the local fishing industry who made meaningful contributions to Barbados. The week long activities take place during the Easter week. During this time there are a variety of local and regional delicacies, arts and crafts and local music creating a festive atmosphere. Some of the highlights are the fish boning competition and the climb-the-grease-pole competition, which prove to be highly entertaining. Other competitions include crab racing and boat racing. Most activities are focused around fish and the industry. The festival is rich in Barbadian culture and is thoroughly enjoyed by patrons.
Barbados Food and Rum Festival
Want to tantalize your taste buds? The eagerly awaited Barbados Food and Rum Festival takes place in November each year. This festival is noted as a celebration of all things food and rum and it features world class chefs, rum experts and mixologists. With Barbados making some of the world's best rums for over 350 years, the festival is fitting for experiencing Barbadian culture. Vistors and locals flock to these events for this festival. In 2016, The Crane will host the Gourmet Safari as part of the Diner Series of the festival.
Christmas
Are you dreaming of a sunny Christmas? Christmas is one of Barbadians' favourite times of the year. During the Christmas season, locals cook a variety of foods in celebration. Aromas of cakes, hams and other foods can be smelled in the air throughout the season. In addition to foods, lights are strung on houses and the capital, Bridgetown, is lit up with beautiful lights, along with the country's roundabouts. Many persons take drives at night to take these in. To complement the Christmas feeling, Christmas music can always be heard, adding to the exciting atmosphere. From traditional songs such as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to Christmas Calypso, festive music can be always be heard, adding to the joyous atmosphere.
On the actual Christmas Day, it is tradition for Barbadians to attend church for Midnight Mass or Christmas Morning service. Following this, persons go to Queens Park in their best outfits to take in concerts and just to socialize and meet up with friends and family. Christmas in Barbados is a lovely time!
Interested in experiencing the Barbadian culture? Book your stay with The Crane and Concierge would be more than happy to assist you with making your plans.
