Welcome to Barbados

Barbadian culture is a blend of rich British heritage and West Indian lifestyle. Traces of the island’s British history are seen in sports like cricket and soccer, and the Anglican religion, while the ease of West Indian lifestyle is evident in the fervent calypso music, Bajan dialect and friendly people.

History:

Like many Caribbean islands, Barbados was inhabited by the Caribs and the Arawaks when the first European settlers arrived on the island from England in 1625. The first settlement of 80 settlers and 10 slaves arrived in 1627 in Holetown. Sugar cultivation, which began in 1640, was the island’s main commercial enterprise. Barbados gained its independence from Britain on November 30, 1966.

Music:

Barbados’ music reflects the island’s mix of African and British cultures. The most common type of music you’ll hear on island is calypso, with a fast tempo and infectious beat. Soca, similar to calypso, is also popular here. You’ll also hear reggae, an integral part of Caribbean culture. Steel pan, with its melodic, uniquely Caribbean sound, is another form of music found in Barbados.

People:

Barbadians are known for their warmth, hospitality and sophistication. Approximately 90 percent of Barbadians, or “Bajans,” as they call themselves, are of African descent. Bajans are conservative, but they also love a good party.

Cuisine:

Barbados’ rich African, West Indian and European heritage comes alive in its unique local cuisine.

What may initially appear to be a sandwich is, in fact, a cutter: cheese, lettuce and tomato with flying fish, pork, or ham, all held together by two slices of a salt bread bun. And a cutter just isn’t a cutter without some local hot sauce.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try pudding and souse, a special meal served in Barbados. This is made of a “pudding” of pig intestine which is stuffed with sweet potatoes, pepper and seasonings and then boiled, and a “souse” of boiled pig’s head or feet which are chopped and served with pickled onions, cucumbers, lime, pepper and parsley.

Another treat for the adventuresome eater are sea eggs, which are the golden roe taken from a spiny shell urchin. The steamed eggs are considered a delicacy in Barbados.

A truly Bajan dish, flying fish is flavored with lime and Bajan seasonings, then battered and fried for a truly delicious meal that you should not miss while in Barbados. The quintessential side to flying fish is macaroni pie, known by Bajans as simply “pie.” This is macaroni and cheese like you’ve never had it before: pasta and lots of shredded cheese with milk, eggs, onion, ketchup and Bajan seasonings and hot sauce, baked to perfection.

Common sides that compliment any Bajan meal include fried plantain, seasoned peas and rice made with pigeon peas, and breadfruit, a large, green orb whose flesh tastes starchy, like bread or potatoes.

Religion:

Ninety-five percet of the population is Christian with Anglican being the majority. Other denominations such as Catholic, Baptist and Methodist are well represented. There are also small congregations of Jews, Hindus and Muslims, as well as Rastafarians.

Language:

The official language of Barbados is English but Bajans speak a dialect of English heavily influenced by the majority of the population's West African heritage. Brush up on your Bajan with the Bajan dictionary and impress a local while in Barbados.