# data[].attributes.body
Barbados, island country in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, situated about 100 miles (160 km) east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Roughly triangular in shape, the island measures some 20 miles (32 km) from northwest to southeast and about 15 miles (25 km) from east to west at its widest point. The capital and largest town is Bridgetown, which is also the main seaport.

# data[].attributes.body
English is the official language of Barbados, and is used for communications, administration, and public services all over the island. In its capacity as the official language of the country, the standard of English tends to conform to the vocabulary, pronunciations, spellings, and conventions akin to, but not exactly the same as, those of British English. It is used in print, in the media, in the judicial system, in government, and in day-to-day business.

# data[].attributes.body
Bajan is spoken by most Barbadians in everyday life especially in informal settings, in music, or in social commentary. In its full-fledged form, Bajan sounds markedly different from the Standard English heard on the island. The degree of intelligibility between Bajan and general English depends on the level of creolised vocabulary and idioms. A Bajan speaker may be completely unintelligible to an English speaker from another country. Bajan is influenced by other Caribbean English dialects.

# data[].attributes.body
The National Dish of Barbados, Cou cou and Flying Fish is made with cornmeal grain and fresh okra, accompanied by savoury stewed flying fish prepared with fresh onion, garlic, thyme, tomatoes, and pepper.

# data[].attributes.body
Perfect for snacking on the go, a cutter is basically a sandwich – but better! Instead of using traditional sliced bread, the Bajan cutter substitutes a delicious salt bread with your choice of filling – egg, fish, cheese, ham, pork – all served with a few drops of Bajan Pepper Sauce

# data[].attributes.body
Perhaps the most popular food in Barbados, fish cakes can be found on all menus – from 5 star restaurants to street-side vendors. Fish cakes are a savoury mix of salted cod fish and local herbs and spices, deep fried to golden perfection. A favourite version of the Bajan cutter is the 'Bread and Two' which includes two fish cakes, a slice of a cheese and of course, pepper sauce.

# data[].attributes.body
Sometimes referred to as the island’s unofficial National Dish, macaroni pie or ‘pie’ as it is commonly referred to, is a perennial favourite. A rich, baked version of mac and cheese, macaroni pie includes generous amounts of cheddar cheese as well as some unexpected ingredients like ketchup and mustard for additional colour and flavour.

# data[].attributes.body
Pudding and Souse is a Saturday lunch staple in Barbados. The ‘souse’ is essentially pickled pork while the ‘pudding’ is steamed sweet potato mixed with onions, salt and pepper. Pudding and Souse is often served with pickled breadfruit on the side.

# data[].attributes.body
Conkies are a traditional Barbadian dessert that can be usually found around the island’s annual independence celebrations in November. Served wrapped in banana leaves, the primary ingredients are pumpkin, cornmeal, sweet potatoes and coconut along with local spices.

# data[].attributes.body
Though technically not a food, there’s nothing quite like a Bajan Rum Punch to wash it all down. As the name suggests, Rum Punch is a rum based cocktail with a recipe that is easy to remember:

One of sour (lime juice),
two of sweet (simple syrup),
three of strong (rum)
and four of weak (water),
a dash of bitters (Angostura Bitters)
and a sprinkle of spice (nutmeg),
serves well chilled,
with plenty of ice

# data[].attributes.body
The most central instrument group in Barbadian culture is the drumming instruments. These include the numerous drums like the pump and the tum tum made from a hollowed-out tree trunk, the side snare drum and a double-headed bass drum of tuk, bones, rook jaw, triangle, cymbals, bottles filled with water, and xylophones. The rattles are also well known and they include the Pan-Antillean shak-shak and the calabash, de shot and rattle. The recent imported folk drum instruments include the conga and bongo from Puerto Rico, Dominica Republic and Cuba, and the tambourine

# data[].attributes.body
The Pump and The Tum Tum

Side Snare Drum and a Double Headed Bass Drum of Tuk

Bones

Rook Jaw

Triangle

Cymbals

Bottles filled with water

Xylophones

# data[].attributes.body
(These songs are recent)

Few of their songs are the following:

Every Time She Pass (The Standpipe Song) - Sing Out Barbados

John Belly Mama - Barbados folk songs

Cocoa Tea - The Barbados Folk Singers

King Ja Ja - The Barbados Folk Singers

# data[].attributes.body
Dance on the island of Barbados was once seen as a pastime that was used when friends got together to 'kill time'. However, in recent times, dance has taken on a whole new perspective. Not only is it an excellent form of exercise but it has been embraced from the stand point of it being able to intimately connect the mind, body and soul. Dancing is known to relieve stress, encourages teamwork and teaches etiquette.

# data[].attributes.body
African Dance

Tap Dance

Wuk Style

Modern Dance

Ballet

Free Form

# data[].attributes.body
Holder's Festival is a arts festival is now held annually in Barbados during March and April at Holder's House, an old plantation mansion set in extensive grounds, just inland from Sandy Lane Bay, Barbados. This stately house has been in existence for over 300 years and is an interesting mixture of English and Barbadian vernacular. The grounds are extensive and lovely with mature tropical trees and shrubs. Founded in 1993, the Holders Season is established as the premier cultural event in the Caribbean.

# data[].attributes.headline
National Independence Festival of Creative Arts November 

# data[].attributes.subject
National Independence Festival of Creative Arts November 

# data[].attributes.body
National Independence Festival of Creative is a festival organized by the National Cultural Foundation, held annually to commemorate the independence of Barbados. The festival showcases the artistic talents of Barbadians.

This festival encourages Barbadians of all ages to match their talents in the fields of music, singing, dance, drama, writing, fine art, photography and arts and crafts. The festival runs throughout the month of November and culminates with a gala presentation in which the finalists are featured. Other independence celebrations run throughout November and include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services.

# data[].attributes.body
Crop Over appeals to the die-hard party enthusiasts as well as the old and young! The event will include the participation of a myriad of artists from across the island. Vendors will serve-up a variety of island cuisine, from cou cou and flying fish to comforts and sugar cakes. Other elements of this diverse event include the greatly anticipated Farmers Market, The Craft Marketplace, The Urban Village, Steelpan Workshops, Bajan Fashion, ensuring that throughout the event there is something happening.

# data[].attributes.body
The Barbados Jazz Festival celebrates the best in international and local jazz talent, it has quickly become a major annual Caribbean event. It is a jubilant affair that attracts a cast of talented musical maestros to the streets of Bridgetown who play for hours every night in festivity.

# data[].attributes.body
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 every year during mid-February and includes a number of activities which showcase the culture and traditions of Barbados. The festival highlights local arts and crafts. Events also include folk singing and dancing, sports and games, street parades, markets, and food stalls that offer traditional Barbadian cuisine.

# data[].attributes.body
The festival occurs every Easter for 1 week of celebration where people gather for the excitement of the things to do revolving around the fishing industry, which includes fish-deboning competitions, boat races, net throwing, food, crafts, music, and dancing.

# data[].attributes.body
(They don’t have a traditional dress or they only have a small set of costumes)

Mother Sally

Donkey Man

Stilt Man

# data[].attributes.body
Cricket is the most popular sport of all in Barbados since it is the national sport. Barbadians follow it avidly and the island has produced several famous cricketers, including Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, and Sir Everton Weekes. If you’re a cricket fan, you should definitely head to the Cricket Legends of Barbados Museum in Fontabelle.

# data[].attributes.body
The British introduced rugby to Barbados in the 1900s, and despite the heat, the sport is played on the island to this day.

While it was first played by ex-pats, there was an increase in local players in the 70s and in recent times Barbados teams have participated in prestigious tournaments including the Hong Kong Sevens Tournament, the Las Vegas Sevens, and even the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

# data[].attributes.body
Horses are a big part of Barbadian heritage, and horse racing on the island dates back to the days of the British Empire when British officers would race plantation owners and merchants.

# data[].attributes.body
It isn’t just about racing on the island, with polo also being a big sport, which attracts many visitors to the island during the season. Teams from all over the world visit to play the sport and enjoy the island’s hospitality!

# data[].attributes.body
Tennis in Barbados is a very accessible sport, as there are Schools Tennis Initiative Development Programmes in schools, and coaching is available at the National Tennis Centre, so it is enjoyed by the locals.

# data[].attributes.body
The water sports in Barbados are something special, as Barbados is renowned for the gorgeous surrounding beaches. Check out our article here for more on 5 Watersports To Try Your Hand At In Barbados.

# data[].attributes.body
Barbados traditions are drawn from the West African and British cultures that shaped the island. The majority of the population is of African descent however the island was a colony of the British Empire for over 300 years so the English influence is very strong.

# data[].attributes.body
The tuk band is a collection of usually brightly attired musicians playing a bass drum, kettle drum and pennywhistle. The tuk band's infectious rhythm is a call to get up and dance, or at least tap your feet! The tuk band is generally accompanied by costumed figures such as the "Shaggy Bear", "Mother Sally" and "Green Monkey", and by the very talented stiltmen.

# data[].attributes.body
The Barbados Landship is a truly unique part of our culture, whose origin can be traced back to the 1800's. The best way to describe the landship is as a "theatrical group" which performs intricate dances that reflect the passage of ships through rough seas and the activities that take place on board. Some of the most popular dances are ribbon dances around a maypole.

The performers wear costumes that are similar to those worn in the Navy. Although the organization was based on the structure of the British Navy, its dances are performed to an African rhythm, often accompanied by a tuk band, once again reflecting the merged cultures of Barbados.

The Landship movement is not as strong as it once was, but its presence at local festivals still generates much excitement and interest.

# data[].attributes.body
Pottery has always been a vital skill for inhabitants of Barbados. From the early Amerindian settlers who created cooking and storage vessels, to modern potters who work their magic on a potters wheel producing functional wares and decorative pottery

# data[].attributes.body
Barbados has a strong cricketing tradition dating back to the 1800's when the game was played by British soldiers stationed on the island and by the plantation owners and members of the aristocracy. Barbados has produced some of the world's finest cricketers including Sir Garfield Sobers, the 3 Ws (Worrell, Walcott and Weekes) and the legendary opening pair Greenidge and Haynes. International matches are held regularly at Kensington Oval.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Cou-cou and flying fish is the national dish of Barbados. Cou-cou, similar to polenta or grits but more creamy, is made from corn meal and okra

2. Another popular dish, especially for Saturday lunch, is "pudding and souse"

3. Other favourites are macaroni pie, fish cakes and cutters of all sorts!

4. The most popular is the Oistins Fish Fry but many are held across the island, usually on a Friday night and on the weekends.

5. For a sweet refreshing treat a snow-cone is must have! And on a hot day, nothing beats a refreshing glass of spiced mauby!

# data[].attributes.body
Christmas is an important religious and social holiday for Barbadians and is mostly spent with family. This is traditionally the time of year that we "spruce up" the house, giving it a thorough cleaning and hanging new curtains. Christmas morning typically begins with a church service and may be followed by a stroll through Queen's Park.

# data[].attributes.body
The architectural tradition of Barbados also reflects African and British influences. Colonial architecture is largely in the Victorian, Georgian and Jacobean styles. Many of these buildings remain today, especially in our World Heritage Site.

These European styles were adapted for the Caribbean climate with the use of large open verandas and gable roofs.

The more modest chattel house was designed to be easily dismantled and moved to a neighbouring plantation when the owner changed jobs. Ornate fretwork is a distinguishing feature of these wooden homes and many have been meticulously preserved and maintained.