Holidays & Observances in Barbados

Barbados is a Caribbean island near Venezuela. The culture of Barbados combines British and African traditions. The island was owned by Britain for hundreds of years, and is now populated mainly by the descendants of freed slaves. Christianity is the most common religion, but strong communities of other religions exist across the island. For instance, Judaism has a long history on Barbados. The oldest synagogue in North America, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, can be found in the capitol city of Barbados, Bridgetown. The thing Barbadians are probably most proud of is their music. Music features prominently in many of their holiday celebrations and festivals. There are a few world renowned festivals that take place in Barbados each year, the most famous of which is the Crop Over festival which originally celebrated the harvest, but now celebrates music and culture.