Culture of Barbados
Encyclopedia
The culture of Barbados is a blend of West African and British cultures present in Barbados
. The Bajan
, or Barbadian dialect is an iconic part of the culture. But English is still the official language, reflecting centuries of British rule.
. The first colonists arrived two years later, founding a settlement of 80 lyndell civilians and 10 alex African slaves. Early on, Barbados adopted the British style of government, creating a Parliamentary democracy in 1639. During the colonial period, all members of the Legislative Assembly were members of the elite-plantocracy
. After slavery was abolished in 1838, non-whites quickly began to play a role in the island's government, with the first minority member elected in 1843. Although Barbados gained full political independence from Britain in 1966, it has retained its governmental style and remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations
.
In addition to government, the love of cricket
continues to be reflected as a part of Barbados' culture. The most popular sport in Barbados, its cricket team has won numerous regional matches. Many players on the team go on to success on the West Indies team
to compete in international games. In fact, one of the most highly regarded cricket players of all time, Sir Garfield Sobers
, is a Barbados native.
The country's architecture pays further testament to Britain, with many historic buildings still standing. In addition to traditional wood and stone, coral was also used in construction, lending a unique Barbadian flair. Jacobean
, Georgian
, and Victorian
styles dominate. But slaves constructed many of these buildings, as well as their own chattel house
s, so they were an integral part of the island's architectural legacy. Built of wood, chattel houses were set atop blocks instead of permanent foundations so they could be easily moved from place to place. The vivid colours of these chattel houses shows the West African influence.
plays an important role in life on the island. Up to 95% of the populace identifies as "Christian
" (whether practicing or otherwise), and with its long British ties, the Anglican church serves the largest segment of the population. However, Roman Catholic, Baptist
, Methodist, and other Christian denominations also support congregations. The Christian population celebrates its deeply-rooted faith in an annual festival, Gospelfest
.
Smaller Jewish
, Hindu
, and Muslim
communities add some religious diversity. The Rastafarian faith also has its community of adherents, sometimes complaining of discrimination in schooling and employment.
In addition to Gospelfest, Barbados holds many other carnivals and festivals. The Landship
is a Barbadian tradition. It mimics and parodies the Royal Navy
, and incorporates music, dance and games. The largest and most important festival in Barbados is Crop Over
, which celebrates the end of the sugarcane
harvest. Lasting three weeks, it includes fairs, parades, and contests.
has produced popular stars of calypso
and the indigenous spouge
style, and also has a large jazz
scene. Reggae
, soca
, and tuk
are popular as well.
The vast majority of contemporary Bajan calypso and soca music centers around the five-week Crop Over
festival, whose events begin in late May and run throughout the summer, climaxing in the first week of August with the Grand Kadooment (also known as Kadooment Day), a national holiday in Barbados.
Every January, Barbados hosts the Barbados Jazz Festival
. In mid-February, Barbados hosts the Barbados Holetown Festival
which celebrates the arrival of the first English settlers.
Bajan songstress Rihanna
was born and raised in Barbados. Although the better portion of her work mainly appeals to R&B audiences, Music of the Sun
contains a mixture of Barbadian rhythms and American urban-pop songwriting, just as her Loud
album has a mixture of Ragga
/ Ska
rhythms, along with Pop music
and R&B / Hip Hop
. Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty has been declared Barbados' ambassador of Tourism
, securing her a seat in the island's political arena, at least for the next 3 years .
The national dish
of Barbados is Cou-Cou & Flying Fish.
In addition to flying fish, many other varieties of fish are found in the waters surrounding Barbados, including kingfish, swordfish, red snapper, yellow-fin tune, albacore tuna, marlin, shark and dolphin. Staples include sweet potato, yam, breadfruit, cassava, rice, English potato, pasta and cou-cou.
Other popular dishes include fried fish cakes, fish & chips, pudding & souse, macaroni pie, and desserts such as tamarind balls and baked custard.
Street vendors are very popular on the island, and key locations include Baxter's Road near Bridgetown
, and Oistins
, with its Friday Night Fish Fry.
Barbados
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is in length and as much as in width, amounting to . It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometres east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, it is about east of the islands of Saint...
. The Bajan
Bajan
Bajan is an English-based creole language spoken on the Caribbean island of Barbados. Bajan, like many other English-based Caribbean creole languages, consists of a West African substrate and an English superstrate...
, or Barbadian dialect is an iconic part of the culture. But English is still the official language, reflecting centuries of British rule.
British Influence
The island's British influence stretches back to 1625, when Captain John Powell claimed it in the name of King James IJames I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
. The first colonists arrived two years later, founding a settlement of 80 lyndell civilians and 10 alex African slaves. Early on, Barbados adopted the British style of government, creating a Parliamentary democracy in 1639. During the colonial period, all members of the Legislative Assembly were members of the elite-plantocracy
Plantocracy
A plantocracy, also known as a slavocracy, is a ruling class, political order or government composed of plantation owners....
. After slavery was abolished in 1838, non-whites quickly began to play a role in the island's government, with the first minority member elected in 1843. Although Barbados gained full political independence from Britain in 1966, it has retained its governmental style and remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
.
In addition to government, the love of cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
continues to be reflected as a part of Barbados' culture. The most popular sport in Barbados, its cricket team has won numerous regional matches. Many players on the team go on to success on the West Indies team
West Indian cricket team
The West Indian cricket team, also known colloquially as the West Indies or the Windies, is a multi-national cricket team representing a sporting confederation of 15 mainly English-speaking Caribbean countries, British dependencies and non-British dependencies.From the mid 1970s to the early 1990s,...
to compete in international games. In fact, one of the most highly regarded cricket players of all time, Sir Garfield Sobers
Garfield Sobers
Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers AO, OCC is a former cricketer who captained West Indies. His first name of Garfield is variously abbreviated as Gary or Garry. He is widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest ever all-rounders, having excelled at all the essential skills of batting, bowling and...
, is a Barbados native.
The country's architecture pays further testament to Britain, with many historic buildings still standing. In addition to traditional wood and stone, coral was also used in construction, lending a unique Barbadian flair. Jacobean
Jacobean architecture
The Jacobean style is the second phase of Renaissance architecture in England, following the Elizabethan style. It is named after King James I of England, with whose reign it is associated.-Characteristics:...
, Georgian
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
, and Victorian
Victorian architecture
The term Victorian architecture refers collectively to several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. The period that it indicates may slightly overlap the actual reign, 20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901, of Queen Victoria. This represents the British and...
styles dominate. But slaves constructed many of these buildings, as well as their own chattel house
Chattel house
Chattel House is Barbadian word for a small moveable wooden house that working class people would occupy. The term goes back to the plantation days when the home owners would buy houses designed to move from one property to another. The word "Chattel" means movable property so the name was...
s, so they were an integral part of the island's architectural legacy. Built of wood, chattel houses were set atop blocks instead of permanent foundations so they could be easily moved from place to place. The vivid colours of these chattel houses shows the West African influence.
Religion
ReligionReligion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
plays an important role in life on the island. Up to 95% of the populace identifies as "Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
" (whether practicing or otherwise), and with its long British ties, the Anglican church serves the largest segment of the population. However, Roman Catholic, Baptist
Baptist
Baptists comprise a group of Christian denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers , and that it must be done by immersion...
, Methodist, and other Christian denominations also support congregations. The Christian population celebrates its deeply-rooted faith in an annual festival, Gospelfest
Gospelfest
Gospelfest is a spiritual festival and celebration on the Caribbean island of Barbados used by Barbadians for centuries to express their African heritage through Christian music. Every May, local Caribbean musical artists and international gospel artists combine to produce an exuberant concert of...
.
Smaller Jewish
Judaism
Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...
, Hindu
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
, and Muslim
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
communities add some religious diversity. The Rastafarian faith also has its community of adherents, sometimes complaining of discrimination in schooling and employment.
In addition to Gospelfest, Barbados holds many other carnivals and festivals. The Landship
Landship (Barbados)
The Barbadian Landship movement is an informal organization that mimics the British navy organization and engages in social activities. Landship began in 1837 and was founded in Britton's Hill in Seamen's Village...
is a Barbadian tradition. It mimics and parodies the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, and incorporates music, dance and games. The largest and most important festival in Barbados is Crop Over
Crop over
Crop Over , is a traditional harvest festival which began in Barbados, having had its early beginnings on the sugar cane plantations during the colonial period. The crop over tradition began in 1688, and featured singing, dancing and accompaniment by bottles filled with water, shak-shak, banjo,...
, which celebrates the end of the sugarcane
Sugarcane
Sugarcane refers to any of six to 37 species of tall perennial grasses of the genus Saccharum . Native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia, they have stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in sugar, and measure two to six metres tall...
harvest. Lasting three weeks, it includes fairs, parades, and contests.
Music
Music is an important part of the country's culture. Modern BarbadosBarbados
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is in length and as much as in width, amounting to . It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometres east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, it is about east of the islands of Saint...
has produced popular stars of calypso
Calypso music
Calypso is a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago from African and European roots. The roots of the genre lay in the arrival of enslaved Africans, who, not being allowed to speak with each other, communicated through song...
and the indigenous spouge
Spouge
Spouge On earlier album labels the word appears as spooge. A Music form of Barbados created by Dalton Bishop who performed as Jackie Opel in the 1960s. It is differentiated from Reggae by having a more even and repetitive backbeat...
style, and also has a large jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
scene. Reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
, soca
Soca music
Soca is a style of music from Trinidad and Tobago. Soca is a musical development of traditional Trinidadian calypso, through loans from the 1960s onwards from predominantly black popular music....
, and tuk
Tuk
Tuk and similar can mean:*Tuk band, a kind of Barbadian musical ensemble, which plays tuk music*T.U.K. , a British boot and shoe manufacturer*T.U.K. Tuk and similar can mean:*Tuk band, a kind of Barbadian musical ensemble, which plays tuk music*T.U.K. (or Tread United Kingdom), a British boot and...
are popular as well.
The vast majority of contemporary Bajan calypso and soca music centers around the five-week Crop Over
Crop over
Crop Over , is a traditional harvest festival which began in Barbados, having had its early beginnings on the sugar cane plantations during the colonial period. The crop over tradition began in 1688, and featured singing, dancing and accompaniment by bottles filled with water, shak-shak, banjo,...
festival, whose events begin in late May and run throughout the summer, climaxing in the first week of August with the Grand Kadooment (also known as Kadooment Day), a national holiday in Barbados.
Every January, Barbados hosts the Barbados Jazz Festival
Barbados Jazz Festival
The Barbados Jazz Festival is an annual jazz festival of the Caribbean island of Barbados. It is a week-long celebration held annually in January, a jubilant affair that attracts a cast of talented musical maestros to the streets of Bridgetown who play for hours every night in festivity...
. In mid-February, Barbados hosts the Barbados Holetown Festival
Barbados Holetown Festival
The Holetown Festival takes place in Holetown, Barbados, and celebrates the arrival of the first settlers in Holetown on February 17, 1627. The week-long celebration occurs yearly in mid-February and includes a number of activities meant to showcase the culture and traditions of Barbados...
which celebrates the arrival of the first English settlers.
Bajan songstress Rihanna
Rihanna
Robyn Rihanna Fenty , better known as simply Rihanna, is a Barbadian recording artist. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers...
was born and raised in Barbados. Although the better portion of her work mainly appeals to R&B audiences, Music of the Sun
Music of the Sun
Music of the Sun is the debut album of Barbadian R&B singer Rihanna, released August 26, 2005 on Def Jam Recordings. Rihanna worked with several producers for the album, mainly Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers who produced and penned most of the tracks on the album. It features guest contributions by...
contains a mixture of Barbadian rhythms and American urban-pop songwriting, just as her Loud
Loud (Rihanna album)
Loud is the fifth studio album by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, first released on November 12, 2010 by Def Jam Recordings. The album was recorded between February and August 2010, predominantly during Rihanna's Last Girl on Earth Tour and filming for her first feature film Battleship...
album has a mixture of Ragga
Ragga
-Origins:Ragga originated in Jamaica during the 1980s, at the same time that electronic dance music's popularity was increasing globally. One of the reasons for ragga's swift propagation is that it is generally easier and less expensive to produce than reggae performed on traditional musical...
/ Ska
Ska
Ska |Jamaican]] ) is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues...
rhythms, along with Pop music
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and R&B / Hip Hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
. Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty has been declared Barbados' ambassador of Tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
, securing her a seat in the island's political arena, at least for the next 3 years .
Cuisine
Bajan cuisine includes a unique blend of foods with African, Indian and British influences.The national dish
National dish
A national dish is a dish, food or a drink that is considered to represent a particular country, nation or region.A dish can become a national dish for a variety of reasons. It can be the national dish because it is a staple daily food for the majority of the population. It can also be the national...
of Barbados is Cou-Cou & Flying Fish.
In addition to flying fish, many other varieties of fish are found in the waters surrounding Barbados, including kingfish, swordfish, red snapper, yellow-fin tune, albacore tuna, marlin, shark and dolphin. Staples include sweet potato, yam, breadfruit, cassava, rice, English potato, pasta and cou-cou.
Other popular dishes include fried fish cakes, fish & chips, pudding & souse, macaroni pie, and desserts such as tamarind balls and baked custard.
Street vendors are very popular on the island, and key locations include Baxter's Road near Bridgetown
Bridgetown
The city of Bridgetown , metropolitan pop 96,578 , is the capital and largest city of the nation of Barbados. Formerly, the Town of Saint Michael, the Greater Bridgetown area is located within the parish of Saint Michael...
, and Oistins
Oistins
The coastal town of Oistins is an area located in the country of Barbados. Situated in the southern portion of the parish of Christ Church, Oistins operates mostly as a fishing village and a tourist hang out, and is the location of the parish church for Christ Church...
, with its Friday Night Fish Fry.
External links
- The Barbados National Cultural Foundation - NCF
- Bajanfuhlife.com (Home of Crop Over)
- About Barbados
- Government of Barbados - Barbados culture
- Government of Barbados - Barbados Society
- Bajantube.com View and share Bajan videos