A R T S
&
C U L T U R E
Island’s rich cultural heritage goes on show Barbados is renowned for its vibrant culture and dedication to the arts. Over the years the island has produced many talented artists in all kinds of areas including poetry, writing, dance, song, culinary skills and craftwork. Their work can be seen at the many local art galleries or on stage at cultural festivals.
Fenty. Other popular musical artists include the emerging band Cover Drive, the widely celebrated group Krosfyah, soca artists Rupert ‘Rupee’ Clarke, Alison Hinds, and more. Irving Burgie, who wrote the words for the Barbados National Anthem, is also recognised for producing the music and lyrics of the iconic ‘Banana Boat Song (Day-O)’, one of the Caribbean’s bestknown melodies. Barbados also continues to make its mark in the world of sport. Culture and sport have been closely linked throughout the island’s history, with cricket being the most popular sport here and across the Caribbean region. The Barbadian all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers has been hailed as one of the world’s greatest cricketers and his contribution to the sport is legendary.
Cultural festivals There are festivals throughout the year showcasing the diverse and unique culture of Barbados. The Celtic Festival, in May and June, celebrates the heritage of the early European settlers (Welsh, Irish and Scottish); the Holetown Festival, in February, presents the history of Barbados through art, craft, food, music, fashion and drama; and the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), in October and November, showcases Bajan culture and creativity through drama, dance, literature, Well-known Barbadian writers include the essayist John
visual arts and photography.
Wickham, the novelist George Lamming (best known for ‘In The Castle Of My Skin’) and poet Edward Kamau Brathwaite, winner
Highlight of the festival calendar is, of course, the Crop Over
of the 1994 Neustadt International Prize for Literature and a
Festival, which begins in May and reaches its climax on the first
professor of comparative literature at New York University.
Monday in August. Dating from the days of slavery, this 12-week celebration is characterised by folk songs, traditional calypsos,
Musically, Barbados has attained worldwide fame as the
masquerades and revelry. These activities culminate in a huge
birthplace and home of international music star Robyn Rihanna
all-day street carnival known as Kadooment.
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BARBADOS PORT INC.