

The People


Sports
International teams such as Italy, England, Jamaica and Ireland have all played among the lush setting of Holder’s Polo Field. Polo in Barbados usually attracts International Media coverage; it is one of the more popular and entertaining sports in Barbados; it is in the true spirit of the Barbados culture. Many visitors to the island as well as the locals enjoy the unique polo experience.
Cricket is also a favourite sport of Barbados. The main international cricket stadium is the new Kensington Oval, north of Bridgetown.
Football (Soccer) and hockey are also popular sports. The Bajans revel in the many sports competitions that are held throughout the island. The Garrison Savanna Racetrack, has weekly horse racing with the Gold Cup being the pinnacle of all the events held.


Music

Crop Over
A special time on the island is when the first Monday of August comes around. On that special day, an event takes place what is called “wukking up”, the first day of their national event called “Crop Over”.
The streets come alive with the sounds of Soca music blasting from speakers on moving vehicles, flags from all over the Caribbean waving in the skies, and of course the rum flows freely. The grand parade is the highlight and usually Bajan superstar Rihanna joins the revelers in celebration. The Bajans are decked out is colorful costumes, beads and feathers, the more extravagant the better! Kadooment Day is when the Barbados Crop Over comes to a head. This is also the largest summer carnival celebration in all of the Caribbean.
This modern day Crop Over is administered by the National Cultural Foundation. Although the Festival of today is vastly different from the original Crop Over festivities, it continues the tradition by offering a once in a lifetime celebration of the Bajan Culture, both new and old.

Tourism
The island has a thriving nightlife and year round events aimed at both the locals and tourists alike. Barbados is known for having a welcoming warmth and hospitality no matter where you go on the island.
Barbados is rich in British traditions and yet exudes a strong Canadian presence as well; it embraces it’s historic past. Barbados is known as one of the most diverse of all the Caribbean countries; with its proud heritage, it has something to offer everyone.
Accommodations in Barbados range from romantic retreats at the most luxurious resorts to smaller more intimate hotels, so no matter what you are looking for, you are likely to find it in Barbados. Barbados is also a beacon for the many cruise ships sailing to the Caribbean in search of fun, adventure and tranquillity.
The appeal of Barbados is not just the beaches and the beautiful weather but a magnificent attraction for the thousands of history buffs that come to the island every year.