- Culture of Barbados
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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.
Contents
British Influence
The island's British influence stretches back to 1625, when Captain John Powell claimed it in the name of King James I. 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 houses, 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
Main article: Religion in BarbadosReligion 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[1]. 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.[1]
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.
Music
Main article: Music of BarbadosMusic is an important part of the country's culture. Modern Barbados 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[2] (also known as Kadooment Day), a national holiday in Barbados.[3]
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[4], 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 [5].
Cuisine
Bajan cuisine includes a unique blend of foods with African, Indian and British influences.[6]
The national dish of Barbados is Cou-Cou & Flying Fish.[7]
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.[8] Other popular dishes include fried fish cakes, fish & chips, pudding & souse, macaroni pie, and desserts such as tamarind balls and baked custard.[8]
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.[9]
References
- Millington, Janice (1999). "Barbados". Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Vol. 2. Routledge. pp. 813–821. ISBN 0-8153-1865-0.
- ^ a b U.S. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. International Religious Freedom Report 2008. U.S. Department of State Archive. September 19, 2008.
- ^ Crop Over Calander. Barbados.Org. Retrieved January 21 2011.
- ^ Barbados Government Information Service. Public Holidays for 2009. Retrieved January 21 2011.
- ^ A&E Television Networks. Rihanna biography. Biography.com. Retrieved January 21 2011.
- ^ Rihanna Declared Tourism Ambassador of Barbados [1]. Popeater.com. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
- ^ Culinary Travel Desinations: Barbados. World Culinary. Accessed January 21 2011.
- ^ Barbados National Dish: Coucou & Flying Fish. Epicurian Tourist. December 25 2007. Retrieved January 21 2011.
- ^ a b Barbados Food. Totally Barbados. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
- ^ Cooke Newman, Janice. Barbados: Where sand meets kitchen. San Francisco Chronicle. November 22, 2009.
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
Barbados Events
Categories:- Barbadian culture
- Barbadian society
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