The Barbados Crop Over Festival…
…represents a blend of festivals from two contrasting cultures – England and West Africa?
…is one of the oldest festivals in the Western world (dating back to the 1780s)?
…originated as a celebration for the end of the sugar crop (hence the name “Crop Over”)?
…is actually very different from the traditional festival celebrating the end of harvest season?
…suffered a remarkable decline in the 1940s due to the decline of the sugar industry in Barbados?
…still celebrates many aspects of Barbadian culture including calypso music, folk music and steel pan music, despite the modern day festival being a shift away from the traditional festival?
…has tremendous global appeal due to the more extravagant and colourful nature of the modern festival?
Did you know that Oistins in Barbados…
…is a popular Friday and Saturday night hang out spot for locals and visitors?
…was named after a wealthy landowner called “Austin”?
…was originally an old fishing village…
…and still represents a major fishing community in Barbados?
…was the site of a clash over the bid for the Independence of Barbados from England between the Royalists and the Roundhead supporters in 1639?
…once housed the Mermaid Tavern where the Charter of Barbados was signed in 1652, solidifying Barbados as a British colony for a further 315 years?
