10 Amazing Things You Never Knew about Barbados

/

Barbados is well known for its gorgeous sun, sea and sand. Full of friendly people, this island paradise has one of the highest rates of repeat visits in the Caribbean. Whether you can already boast of visiting this tropical isle or it’s on your wish list, we’re willing to bet you didn’t know these 10 fascinating facts about Barbados.

1.  Barbados is a celebrity hot spot but that doesn’t matter to locals

Barbados-is-a-celebrity-hot-spot.png

Barbadians are a proud people who refuse to fuss over celebrities. Beyonce, Lewis Hamilton and many others have walked comfortably among locals without any fan mania. You never know who you might see up close in Bridgetown or on a west coast beach. As a daughter of the soil who has soared to incredible heights, Rihanna is the sole celebrity who may generate some interest from younger locals. Actually, you won’t believe just how humble her beginnings were until you come to Barbados and walk through her working class neighbourhood for yourself! 

2.  Barbados’ first world education makes it a beacon of social stability 

Education is offered free for all through the Government of Barbados from primary through to university level. The result is an exceptionally well-educated population that has propelled the country onto various world stages. Local schoolchildren in their distinctive school uniforms are an adorable sight to behold.

3. Religion and rum exist side by side - literally 

Religion-and-rum.png


Barbados is home to one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the Western Hemisphere and is believed to have more churches per square mile than any other Caribbean country. Ironically, it is roughly estimated that a rum shop is situated very close to every church. This isn’t surprising because, after all, this is the birthplace of the world’s oldest rum, Mount Gay. Tour the island’s rum manufacturing plants or better yet, pop into a rum shop and enjoy the lively banter. 

4. The world’s last standing dock is found in Barbados

standing-dock.png

The Blackwoods Screw Dock in Bridgetown, the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1893 and is the only remaining dry dock of its kind in the world. A tour to examine this maritime marvel should be on your Barbados itinerary.

5. The language and accent are unique

Every Caribbean country has a Creole language built, in part, upon African phrases but the European influence on Barbadian, or Bajan, dialect is strictly British, unlike other Caribbean countries that may also have French, Spanish or Dutch influences. If you ever ask a local for directions, for example, you’re likely to barely get the gist of where you need to go. It’s the hilarious highlight of any time spent on this island.

6. Barbadians are wonderful storytellers

wonderful-storytellers.png

This is a culture built on folklore. Folktales with African roots were a part of childhood in this country and the storytelling tradition is alive and well in everyday life. You’re sure to hear locals spinning a yarn in any rum shop.

7.  You’re tasting history when you eat Barbadian food

Barbadian-food.png

Some traditional Barbadian dishes have African origins, such as the national dish cou cou, which bears similarities in consistency to the West African staple fou fou. Other local delicacies were born out of necessity, using ingredients that historically were readily available to the poor masses. Taste your way around the island at the multitude of restaurants and other popular eateries.

 8. Indigenous produce is being used creatively. 

Indigenous-produce.png

In local supermarkets, you’ll find flours made from cassava, sweet potato or breadfruit - all 100% gluten-free. At farmer’s markets, you’ll find everything from ice-cream to breads and even soaps made from local root crops, fruits and vegetables.

 9. Barbados has an indigenous sport

indigenous-sport.png

Road tennis developed as villagers did not have the money or space to play lawn tennis. Today, there is a professional association and national and community competitions are extremely popular. Catch the excitement when you visit

10. A railway once ran along the coastline

Barbados had a railway as part of its public transport system from 1881 to 1937. Last year, the owners of St. Nicholas Abbey revived the island’s railway heritage with the launch of a 3-km roundtrip train ride. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss!

Education is offered free for all through the Government of Barbados from primary through to university level. The result is an exceptionally well-educated population that has propelled the country onto various world stages. Local schoolchildren in their distinctive school uniforms are an adorable sight to behold.