Barbadian Festivals

Many Festivals of Historical Importance Fill the Annual Events Calendar in Barbados

Barbados is a country filled with culture and pride and the local islanders celebrate their enthusiasm for their country’s historical background by commemorating many of the islands important past events with annual festivals.

Crop Over Festival

Barbados’ Crop Over Festival takes place during the summer and lasts for five weeks. It’s the island’s most attended festival and people plan their vacations to Barbados around this event. The Crop Over Festival celebrates the role the island played in the sugar industry ever since the 1780s. Historically, at the end of every sugar harvesting season, all the islanders would celebrate. When the sugar industry became less of an influence to the island’s economy, attendance at the annual Crop Over Festival began to decline and at one point ceased to exist. However, in 1974, Barbados decided to revive the festival in order to celebrate the culture and history of the island, and the annual festival has grown in popularity ever since. Thousands of people from all over the world attend the Barbadian Crop Over Festival every year. The festival contains food, drinks, items for sale from local artists, music and a carnival-type atmosphere. Children and adults alike enjoy this festival because there are countless ways to learn about and appreciate the history and culture of the island.

The Barbados Jazz Festival

The Jazz Festival in Barbados draws jazz performers and fans from all over the world. There are numerous concerts put on by both international and local jazz musicians. The concert is always staged in a tropical setting and always draws many spectators. The event is usually in January of each year.

The Holetown Festival

The Holetown Festival celebrates the date when the first settlers arrived on the island in 1627. The celebration lasts a week, and usually begins in the middle of February. Usually, the event includes parades, “Queen of the Festival” pageant, games and sporting events, music, exhibits on the island’s history, and much more.

Oistins Fish Festival

The Oistins Fish Festival occurs each year at Easter and is a tribute to the local fishermen on the island. The event includes boat races, fishing contests (such as boning), and the fishermen demonstrate their skills to spectators. The festival also includes music and food - - and many fish dishes are available such as fish cakes and fried fish. The purpose of the festival is to honor everyone related to the Barbadian fishing industry and because of all the fun and games, the event draws a huge audience including many tourists.

The Holders Season

The Holders Season has been an annual event since 1993 when it immediately became known as the best cultural event in the entire Caribbean region. The event takes place in a historical area of the island and includes drama, opera, and music and always has visitors from the United States and the United Kingdom in its audiences.

Congaline Music Festival

This annual festival is relatively new. It began in 1994 in order to showcase the island’s local artists and musicians. The theme of the festival is “good music and fun,” and people who attend are exposed to many of Barbados’ local talents. The festival is usually in April.

Barbados Gospelfest

The Barbados Gospelfest is a religious festival that celebrates the over 100 religious sects that are practiced on the island. The event is always in late May and features gospel singers from all over the world. The event is very spiritual and consists of many Christian-related events.

National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA)

In 1966, Barbados became an independent country and in 1973, the island decided to host an annual event to celebrate its independence. The celebration includes and encourages local Barbadians to showcase their artistic talents and includes awards to the “best of” in many categories.

The Pelican Dooflicky

The Pelican Dooflicky is held every Wednesday and features the displays of local artists and craftspeople. It allows tourists to take part in and view the Barbadian way of life up close.