Barbados and it's people

Although only 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, Barbados has a surprising diversity of scenery. Just a few miles takes you from the tranquillity of the Caribbean west coast, with its luxury hotels and palm fringed beaches, to the dramatic cliffs and wild Atlantic rollers of the eastern coast. The interior has its own beauty as well. Green and lush, the spine of the island rises to more than 1,000 ft at Mount Hillaby while the rolling hills of the northern tip earned it the name, Scotland, from early settlers. On the south coast you’ll find the capital Bridgetown, the Airport and most of the vibrant nightlife

Settled by the English in 1627, and with names such as Bath, Hastings, Worthing, Christchurch and even Scotland dotting the island, Barbados has rightly been called ’Little England’, with afternoon tea served at many hotels. Interestingly you will find some strong ‘Celtic links’ also. Scots and Irish families were indentured to work the land when labour was short so it’s not unusual to hear Celtic names, phrases and see locals with green / blue eyes. To this day Scots are referred to as ‘red legs’ – a legacy of the kilt. The island can justifiably claim to have something for everyone whether you favour sports, cuisine, heritage, culture, shopping, partying or just lying on the beach..

Barbadians themselves are proud of their heritage and the annual calendar of events contains a wealth of colourful festivals celebrating the island`s culture and traditions. The island’s biggest festival, Crop Over, marks the end of the sugar-cane harvest, and is an explosion of calypso, costumed bands, street fairs and dancing from mid-July to early-August, culminating in the grand finale of Kadooment Day. Other festivals include a Jazz Festival in January, The Holders Season in March, the Oistens fish festival in April and a Gospel Festival in May.

Language
English is the official language. However, most locals also largely use the colourful local dialect.

Religion
Religion is evident everywhere, manifested in diverse and colourful Caribbean style. About half of the population are Anglicans, while the rest are made up of Hindus, Muslims, and Jews.
Most Barbadians are Anglicans. Other denominations include Moravians, Methodists, Roman Catholics, Pentecostals, and Seventh-day Adventists.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The highlight of the summer (and, some think, of the whole year) is the Crop Over Festival, an all-island jubilation from end June to early August that celebrates the completion of the sugar cane harvest.

"Tents" ring with the fierce battle of calypsonians for the coveted Calypso Monarch Award, and the air is redolent with the smells of Bajan cooking during the massive "Bridgetown Market" street fair.

Rich with the spirit of local culture, "The Cohobblopot" blends drama, dance, and music with the crowning of the King and Queen of costume bands. An exciting evening is the "Pic-O-de-Crop Show", when the King of Calypso is crowned.

The climax of the festival is "Kadooment Day" - a national holiday - when costume bands fill the streets with pulsating Barbadian rhythms and fireworks fill the evening sky.

In Barbados the “soupbowl” at Bathseba attracts enthusiastic from all around the world including champions of the sport who appreciate the purist waves, warm waters and friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy surfing through out the year while touring the serene East Coast. The “Soupbowl” competitions in early November. You can always call the BSA (Barbados Surfing Association).

Some other favourite surf spots are Batts Rock, Mullins, Sandy Lane, Church Point, Maycocks, Silver Sands.