Happy Birthday, Barbados! The island is set to celebrate her 50th anniversary of independence – and you can join in
Next year marks Barbados’ 50th anniversary of her independence from the British Crown.
Following the establishment of the first English settlement at Holetown in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony for more than 300 years.
Its independence on November 30, 1966 was marked by the raising of the Barbados national flag and playing the new national anthem for the first time. Ever since, November 30 has been a national holiday.
Get on Board: The UK's Sam Bleakley taking part in a Barbados surfing competition
Next year’s celebrations will be extra special, running throughout November, and will include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services.
On Independence Day itself a grand parade is held, usually at the Garrison Savannah, site of the original independence ceremony in 1966.
One of the highlights will be the decorative lighting of Parliament Buildings, Independence Square, the Independence Arch and businesses throughout the capital Bridgetown, using blue and gold, the national colours.
Another highlight of the celebrations will be the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, which is designed to showcase the artistic talents of the locals in music, singing, dance, drama, writing, fine art, photography and arts and crafts.
This festival will also run throughout November. To get you in the mood for next year’s celebrations, here’s a taste of some of the events running around the 49th anniversary of the island’s independence this year.
Barbados open-water swim festival: November 4-8
A five-day festival of open water swimming.
Swims will be mainly located at the Copacabana Beach in Carlisle Bay, with other open-water swims organised from beaches on the west and south coasts; there will also be stand-up paddle relay races, kayak relay races, beach parties, and ‘just for fun’ races.
Pro surf fest: November 12-15
The November PRO (Independence Surf Pro) and the Caribbean Junior Championships (Soup Bowl Junior Pro) will take place at the Soup Bowl, Bathsheba each day from 8am until 5.30pm.
This is the biggest surfing event on the Barbados Surfing Association’s calendar.
Organisers say: ‘Watch spectacular surfing, half-pipe demonstrations from local and regional skaters, the famous bikini contest, live music, arts and craft, local food and much more.’
Celebrations: Mounted police in the Independence Day parade
Food and wine and rum festival: November 19-22
Barbados welcomes top international chefs during this festival. Visitors are treated to fine cuisine and cooking demonstrations.
Wine experts are also on hand. With Barbados the birthplace of rum, no epicurean festival would be complete without this local spirit.
Visitors can learn what goes into making the perfect rum punch and explore where Bajans have been creating some of the world’s finest rums for 350 years.
Marathon weekend: December 4-6
Events include a Friday Fun Run Mile through St Lawrence Gap; a Saturday 5K Fun Run & Walk and a 10K Race.
On the Sunday there will be both a marathon, beginning at 4am, and a half-marathon starting at 5am.
For the visiting participants hotels are offering special packages with accommodation starting at about £100 per night for two.
Classical/Pops festival: December 10-12
The Classical Pops Festival is an annual outdoor event. It is the first of its kind in the Caribbean, taking its inspiration from similar events in Massachusetts and the BBC Proms. It is noted for its all-star orchestra.
Mount Gay Rum race: January 16-24
The yacht race around the island dates back to the 19th Century and is based upon bragging rights for the fastest trading schooner.
This was a prize worth its weight in gold to captains in an era when prices for cargoes arriving ahead of rival ships commanded a massive premium.
- Bully beating on blind teen gets serious payback
- The littlest roar! Baby lion's howl sounds more like a...
- Airbus A380 caught up in terrifying crosswind landing
- 'King of gypsy music' beats pregnant girlfriend on live TV
- NFL star's wife pulled over for 'driving while black' in NJ
- GRAPHIC: Police shoot and kill Delaware man in wheelchair
- Dash cam shows cops pulling gun on couple rushing to give...
- What is THAT bro? Guy spots a sunfish and goes nuts
- Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper give hearing aids in Rio
- Trump-baiting new South Park 'Where My Country Gone' preview
- The paw that rocks the cradle: Dog gently soothes baby
- Saudi prince arrested for alleged sex crime in Beverly Hills
- Good luck in economy! Air India proposes world's longest...
- The heart-warming moment a little lion cub practised his...
- Earning their crust: Couple quit their jobs to sell pizza...
- Watch the terrifying moment world's largest passenger plane...
- Delta Air Lines flight from Baltimore to Atlanta delayed...
- The coolest boat in the world: New 328ft superyacht can...
- Travelling in style... sort of: Passenger is collected on...
- From the 'barking dogs' under the cabin to the 'baby...
- Family speaks of shock after arriving at Airbnb villa in...
- Yoga poses, strengthening planks and cardio-intensive...
- Letter signed by 100 Cathay Pacific pilots warns bosses that...
- Now you really CAN live like a celebrity! Emily Blunt's...