Historical ContextBarbados traditions are drawn from the West African and British societies that shaped the island. Most of the populace is of African descent however the island was a nest of the British Empire for over 300 years so the English impact is extremely strong.Tuk Band
The tuk band is a collection of typically brightly attired musicians playing a bass drum,kettle drum and also pennywhistle. The tuk band’s infectious rhythm is a call to get up and dance,or a minimum of touch your feet! The tuk band is normally accompanied by costumed numbers such as the “Shaggy Bear”,”Mommy Sally” and “Green Ape”,as well as by the really talented stiltmen.
Tip: the coastline extravaganza supper program at Harbour Lighting is a wonderful show with stiltmen,Mommy Sally,and various other remarkable entertainers.
The songs of the tuk band are a mix of African music,with its hefty drum influence,as well as British folk music.
Tuk bands perform whatsoever significant Barbados festivals,consisting of the Holetown Celebration,Crop Over and also the Oistins Fish Festival.
Landship
The Barbados Landship is a genuinely one-of-a-kind part of our culture,whose beginning can be traced back to the 1800’s. The most effective way to define the landship is as a “theatrical team” which executes elaborate dancings that mirror the passage of ships through rough seas and also the tasks that happen aboard. Several of one of the most prominent dancings are ribbon dances around a maypole.
The performers wear outfits that resemble those put on in the Navy. Although the company was based on the framework of the British Navy,its dancings are carried out to an African rhythm,often accompanied by a tuk band,once again showing the joined cultures of Barbados.
The Landship activity is not as strong as it as soon as was,however its presence at neighborhood celebrations still produces much excitement and rate of interest.
Ceramic
Pottery has actually always been a crucial skill for residents of Barbados. From the very early Amerindian inhabitants who created cooking as well as storage space vessels,to contemporary potters who work their magic on a potters wheel generating functional wares as well as attractive pottery. Find out more about the crucial duty of ceramic in Caribbean heritage and also society.
Sports and Games
Barbados has a solid cricketing practice dating back to the 1800’s when the game was played by British soldiers stationed on the island and by the hacienda owners as well as members of the upper class. Barbados has actually generated several of the globe’s finest cricketers including Sir Garfield Sobers,the 3 Ws (Worrell,Walcott and also Weekes) and also the legendary opening set Greenidge and also Haynes. International suits are held consistently at Kensington Oval.
The sporting activity of roadway tennis was created in Barbados in the 1930s. Today the video game is used domestic roadways and also specialist courts throughout the island.
Dominoes is exceptionally prominent in Barbados! In rum shops as well as fishing villages you’ll frequently listen to the noise of individuals “banging a dom” while reviewing the days events and regional politics.
Although not widely played,Warri (Oware) is gaining in popularity in Barbados. The game originated in West Africa as well as is comparable in approach to backgammon. It was presented right into Barbados in the 17th century by slaves on the sugar ranches.
Kite flying and pitching marbles are preferred childhood activities.
Island Events
Like any type of society,annual events are deeply vital to Barbadians. Each has its own historical and also cultural importance and is excitedly awaited. Crop Over reflects the history of the sugar sector,a protest against injustice and the best freedom of an enslaved people. The Holetown Festival memorializes the arrival of the first British inhabitants. The Oistins Fish Celebration commemorates those that work in the fishing industry.
Conventional Foods
Cou-cou as well as flying fish is the nationwide dish of Barbados. Cou-cou,comparable to polenta or grits yet more creamy,is made from corn dish and also okras. It is traditionally offered with steamed flying fish in a tomato-based sauce yet may additionally be served with salt fish,false trail or stew.
An additional preferred recipe,especially for Saturday lunch,is “pudding and souse”. Dessert is steamed wonderful potato. Souse is pickled pork. Souse was typically made from the scrap parts of the pig (ears,trotters,tongue,etc) but today is often made from lean pork meat. Dessert and also souse is typically offered with marinaded wonderful potato or pickled breadfruit. The pickle is included lime,cucumber,onion and also hot peppers.
Other favourites are macaroni pie,fish cakes and cutters of all kinds!
Bajans likewise like a fish fry. The most preferred is the Oistins Fish Fry however numerous are held across the island,typically on a Friday night and also on the weekends. Delicious,fresh captured fish is offered fried or barbequed with sides such as macaroni pie,barbequed potatoes,coleslaw and plantain.
For a sweet revitalizing reward a snow-cone is need to have! And also on a warm day,nothing beats a revitalizing glass of spiced mauby!
Christmas Practices
Xmas is an important spiritual as well as social holiday for Barbadians as well as is mainly invested with family members. This is commonly the moment of year that we “spruce up” your home,offering it a thorough cleansing and hanging brand-new drapes. Xmas early morning typically starts with a church service and also might be complied with by a stroll with Queen’s Park.
Favourite Xmas dishes are baked ham,jug-jug (made from pigeon peas,salted beef and also Guinea corn flour) as well as abundant cake (made with a selection of fruit,flavors and also rum).
Architecture
The architectural practice of Barbados likewise reflects African and British influences. Colonial style is largely in the Victorian,Georgian as well as Jacobean designs. A number of these structures stay today,particularly in our World Heritage Site.
These European designs were adapted for the Caribbean climate with using large open verandas and also saddleback roofs.
The more modest goods residence was created to be easily taken apart as well as moved to an adjoining vineyard when the owner transformed work. Luxuriant decoration is a differentiating attribute of these wood homes and many have been diligently maintained and preserved.
