Welcome to Barbados

Barbados has a growing culture with young fashion, music, theatre, film and literary industries; Crop Over festival; and even a hot sports calendar. The island is a hive of activity.

One of the largest and most exciting festivals in Barbados at the start of the year is the Jazz Festival. This weeklong event attracts thousands who take in the sounds of jazz stars from around the world. International artists and musicians take center stage to deliver amazing performances. The event climaxes with Jazz on the Hill at Farley Hill National Park.

The island’s west coast is the place to be in February thanks to the Holetown Festival, which celebrates the first English settlers to the island. Events include pageantry, street fairs, theatrical performances and art and craft exhibitions. In March, the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, which is the biggest horse race at the Garrison Savannah, welcomes hundreds of onlookers. Thoroughbreds from around the world compete for the coveted trophy.

Also in March, the Holders Season attracts those who love film and theatrical performances. Agrofest, the island’s largest agricultural festival, takes place in April. This is a two-day event that attracts thousands of locals, and visitors as well. The best in the island’s agriculture is showcased, and patrons stock up on plants, trees, fruits and vegetables from vendors. The Barbados Rally Championships, which attracts drivers from other countries, is also a major attraction at this time of year. This event has grown tremendously since its inception in 2005.

July signals the start of the island’s biggest cultural festival: Crop Over. Since colonial days, slaves celebrated the end of the sugar crop with this festival, and those origins have given rise to this cultural explosion. Local calypso music, colorful costumes, street parties and fetes all form this extravaganza of culture.

The sports arena brings plenty of events to the shore of Barbados, like 20/20 cricket, the Annual Barbados Hockey Festival, Barbados Amateur Bodybuildingand various windsurfing competitionsthroughout the year.

Nightlife in Barbados is especially sizzling hot in St. Lawrence Gap. Situated on the island’s south coast, this famous street, better known as “The Gap,” is home to many night clubs, lounges, restaurants and bars. Both visitors and locals are drawn to the thunderous rhythms of music emanating from the many venues along this street.

Nightlife in Barbados is especially sizzling hot in St. Lawrence Gap. Situated on the island’s south coast, this famous street, better known as “The Gap,” is home to many night clubs, lounges, restaurants and bars. Both visitors and locals are drawn to the thunderous rhythms of music emanating from the many venues along this street.