Travel Guides | Barbados Travel Guide
Barbados Travel Guide
Don’t look back
Of all the islands in the eastern Caribbean, Barbados stands apart as the one that remained British throughout its colonial history, instead of being passed from one European master to another. Some towns have charming English seaside resort names: Hastings, Brighton or Dover, while administratively the country is organized into parishes, reflecting the overwhelming Anglican influence. In the past it was often referred to as Little England, and not always as a compliment. Since independence in 1966 the country has been trying to shake off that white middle class suburban image and has moved closer in cultural terms to North America while also pursuing its African roots from the days of the slave trade. Trafalgar Square has been renamed in honour of National Heroes and the statue of Lord Nelson, a supporter of slavery, has been turned round so that he no longer looks down Broad Street. But some old habits die hard. You can still go to a polo match and be offered tea and cucumber sandwiches, or watch Sunday cricket on the village green. A Test Match at the Kensington Oval, though, is a different kettle of flying fish and an example of how an English sport has been turned into pure Afro-Caribbean pageantry, with an exuberant audience adding drums, whistles, masks and costumes.
Island rhythm
Bajans stress their Afro-Caribbean heritage and have developed it in their music and festivals. Drum music, which was banned by colonial masters to prevent the organization of rebellions, is thumped out all over the island and ‘tuk’ bands are an essential part of carnival processions. Reggae, too, has its own enthusiastic fans and many home-grown professional exponents. Calypso, soca and pan music blast from cars and buses, as well as being the centrepiece of Crop Over, the boisterous festival celebrating the end of the sugar harvest. Rhythm is in the Barbadian blood. Even baby Bajans can dance better than the average white tourist.
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