Planning a trip to Barbados and want to get a taste of the island’s rich culture? Here is a list of popular Barbados festivals which are celebrations of different characteristics of the island.
Crop Over Festival
Crop Over is Barbados’ biggest festival which runs between July and August. This celebration marks the end of a successful sugarcane season. It includes parties, art shows, galas and boat rides to name a few activities and attracts people from all over the world. The climax of this festival is the Kadooment Day Parade which is held on the first Monday of August. During this street parade, masqueraders dance the day away in beautiful feathered and beaded costumes to the infectious sounds of calypso music. It is an extremely fun time for everyone, whether you take part in the parade or watch from the sidelines.
Barbados Food & Rum Festival
Calling all foodies! The Barbados Food & Rum Festival is the place to be every October. It is a celebration of all things food with influences from all over the world. Attendees can eat culinary delights from some of the world’s top chefs, enjoy cooking demos and learn more about rum from experts and how they pair with certain dishes. It is guaranteed to be an enjoyable experience.
Oistins Fish Festival
Since 1977, the Oistins Fish Festival has been held around Easter at the scenic Oistins fishing village. It is a celebration of the Charter of Barbados and shows appreciation to the importance of fisherfolk to the island.. Traditionally, Barbadians typically eat fish during the Easter period and during this time, there is mainly fish found on the menus offered during the festival. Entertaining activities during this festival include the fish boning competition, crab and boat racing and climbing the greased pole, among many others. This culturally rich community celebration is great for the entire family.
Holetown Festival
The Holetown Festival commemorates the landing of the first English settlers on the island in 1627. This week-long festival takes place in Holetown during February each year and commences on the site of the first landing with a reenactment. This cultural explosion includes activities such as an opening gala and steel pan concert, street fair and parade, grand floodlit tattoo, classic cars display and a Queen of the Festival Pageant, among many other activities. You will also be delighted by folk singing and dancing, sports and games and traditional Barbadian food at the stalls. It is a wonderful outing for the family.
Barbados Reggae Festival
For a week each April, Barbados is all about reggae. The Barbados Reggae Festival includes reggae parties, cruises and spectacular live shows. These events showcase the talents of the best local, regional and international reggae artists including Buju Banton, Sizzla and Beres Hammond, to name a few. This festival is the most highly anticipated reggae show in Barbados and is always an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
Ready to experience some of Barbados’ festivals? Book your stay at Port Ferdinand and we would be happy to assist you with your planning.
