Who We Are

This is

who

we are

A tiny dot of an island, perfectly perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is indeed easily missed on any map.

But once you take the time find us (and get to know us, of course), you’ll quickly discover that we certainly do pack quite a punch.

The personality of our people, the flavour of our food, the exuberance that stretches right across the island, from coast to coast—

it’s all larger than life.

That is who we are; a place whose physical length and breadth belies the depth and vibrance of our spirit.

There’s a lot more to us than meets the eye—stories that can only be told by us, which simultaneously tells the story of who we are.

Mauby Tree, centenarians & postage stamps What the

all have in common.

RANDOM FACT:

Barbadians live really long. No seriously, we do!

Barbados is one of the leading countries in the world with the highest number of centenarians per capita. Turning 100 is a very big deal over here (as it should be!)

—complete with a visit from the Governor General and your own personalized stamp!

So, you’re probably wondering, what on earth is in that Barbados water that people are living so long? Well, some people think our legacy of long-livers has more to do with what we put in our water. Mauby is one of

our most popular beverages on the island, and it involves boiling bark from the Mauby tree with earthy spices and some sugar to taste. It’s a popular drink across the region, but a Bajan mauby is a very different experience from what you’ll find on any other island (also a bit of an acquired taste…) Now, whether our fountain of youth is really a fountain of mauby might be up for some debate, but at the very least, a cool glass of mauby is worth the try!

forbidden

RANDOM FACT:

(among other delights)

Once upon a time, a mysterious fruit was discovered on our sunny shores.

A delicious cross between a sweet orange and a shaddock, that juicy citrus quickly became known as ‘the Forbidden Fruit’.

But you might better know it by another name: grapefruit. And though we’ve since been gracious enough to export our grapefruit to the mainland for your enjoyment, there are still some deliciously Bajan delicacies and traditions that you’ll just have to come and discover for yourself—like our refreshing Bajan cherry juice, “Souse on a Saturday” and a double flying fish cutter (with a Bajan salt bread, of course!)

Once upon a time,

RANDOM FACT:

We have stories—and lots of them, like the one where we invented (then perfected) rum. If you look close enough, you’ll find that wherever you go, you'll find a rich story.

Our relationship with rum is a very, very old one. No, seriously— we literally invented it. Back then, it was known as “kil devil”, which might give you a sense of what it must have tasted like. Thankfully, today (a couple hundred years later) we’ve refined and perfected, taking it from sugar cane to barrel to bottle to glass, all with the precision that comes from experience, and our special Bajan flair. After over 300 years, trust us, we know our rum and we’re happy to share.

Ready to learn more about this special little island? We promise we have lots more in store! Visit www.visitbarbados.org for more!