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Theculture of Barbados is a blend of West African andBritish cultures present inBarbados. English is the official language of the nation, reflecting centuries of British influence, but theBajan dialect in which it is spoken is an iconic part of the Barbadian culture. This dialect is a combination of the languages from the different inhabitants in its history. Barbadian culture is influenced by the IndigenousCaribs, Africans, Europeans and South Asians.[1]
The island's British influence stretches back almost 400 years to 1625, when Captain John Powell claimed it in the name ofKing James I. The first British colonists arrived two years later, founding a settlement of 80 civilians and 10 Africanslaves. From the start, Barbados adopted the British style of government, creating aParliamentary democracy in 1639. During the colonial period, all members of the Legislative Assembly were members of the elite-plantocracy.[citation needed]
Barbados gained full political independence from Britain in 1966, but chose to retain its traditional parliamentary democracy governmental style and remains a member of theCommonwealth of Nations.[citation needed]
The love of the sport ofcricket continues to be reflected as an essential part of Barbados's culture. The most popular sport in Barbados, itscricket team has won numerous regional titles. Many players on the team go on to greater success on theWest Indies cricket team to compete in international games. One of the most highly regarded cricket players of all time, SirGarfield Sobers, was born and raised in Barbados.[citation needed]
The country's architecture pays further establishment 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 andVictorian styles dominate. But slaves constructed many of these buildings, as well as their ownchattel 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 show the West African influence.[citation needed]
Religion plays a significant role in life on the island. Up to 95% of the populace identifies itself as "Christian" (whether practicing or otherwise), and with its long British ties, theAnglican church comprises the largest segment of the population.[2] 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. SmallerJewish,Hindu andMuslim communities add some religious diversity. TheRastafarian faith also has its community of adherents, sometimes complaining of discrimination in schooling and employment.[2]
In addition to Gospelfest [a concert in which the good news about Jesus is sung], Barbados holds many other carnivals and festivals. TheLandship is a Barbadian tradition. It mimics and parodies theRoyal Navy, and incorporates music, dance and games. The largest and most important festival in Barbados isCrop Over, which celebrates the end of thesugarcane harvest. Lasting three weeks, it includes fairs, parades and contests.
Music is an important part of the country's culture. ModernBarbados has produced popular stars ofcalypso music and the indigenousspouge style, and also has a largejazz scene.Reggae,soca music andtuk band are popular as well.[3]
The vast majority of contemporary Bajan calypso and soca music centers around the five-weekCrop Over festival, whose events begin in late May and run throughout the summer, climaxing in the first week of August with the Grand Kadooment[4] (also known as Kadooment Day), a national holiday in Barbados.[5]
Every January, Barbados hosts theBarbados Jazz Festival. In mid-February, Barbados hosts theBarbados Holetown Festival which celebrates the arrival of the first English settlers.
SingerRihanna was born and raised in Barbados. Although the better portion of her work mainly appeals toR&B audiences, her first albumMusic of the Sun (2005) contains a mixture of Barbadian rhythms and American urban-pop songwriting,[6] just as her albumLoud (2010) has a mixture ofragga /ska rhythms, along withpop music and R&B /hip hop. Robyn Rihanna Fenty was also declared Barbados's ambassador oftourism, which secured her a seat in the island's political arena from 2011 to 2014.[7]
There are music, and sports festivals. At some of the festivals people wear costumes.[8]
Bajan cuisine includes a unique blend of foods with African, Indian and British influences.[10]
Thenational dish of Barbados iscou-cou andflying fish.[11]
In addition to flying fish, many other varieties of fish are found in the waters surrounding Barbados, including kingfish, swordfish, red snapper, yellow-fin tuna, albacore tuna, marlin, shark and mahi-mahi commonly called dolphin. Staples include sweet potato, yam, breadfruit, cassava, rice, English potato, pasta and cou-cou.[12]
Other very popular dishes include fried fish cakes,fish and chips, souse (a pickled pork dish),black pudding, macaroni pie, and sweet desserts such astamarind balls and baked custard.[12]
Food sold by street vendors is popular on the island, and key locations include Baxter's Road nearBridgetown, andOistins, with its Friday Night Fish Fry.[13]
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