Barbados Traditions

Historical Context 

Barbados traditions are drawn from the West African and British cultures that shaped the island. The majority of the population is of African origin however the island was a colony of the British Empire for over 300 years so the English influence is very strong.

The Tuk Band

The tuk band is a collection of usually brightly attired musicians playing a bass drum, kettle drum and penny-whistle. The tuk band's infectious rhythm is a call to get up and dance, or at least tap your feet! The tuk band is generally accompanied by costumed figures such as the "Shaggy Bear", "Mother Sally" and "Green Monkey", and by the very talented stiltmen.

The songs of the tuk band are a blend of African music, with its heavy drum influence, and British folk music.

Tuk bands perform at all major Barbados festivals, including the Holetown Festival, Crop Over and the Oistins Fish Festival.

Landship
The Barbados Landship is a truly unique part of our culture, whose origin can be traced back to the 1800's. The best way to describe the landship is as a "theatrical group" which performs intricate dances that reflect the passage of ships through rough seas and the activities that take place on board. Some of the most popular dances are ribbon dances around a maypole.

The performers wear costumes that are similar to those worn in the Navy. Although the organization was based on the structure of the British Navy, its dances are performed to an African rhythm, often accompanied by a tuk band, once again reflecting the merged cultures of Barbados.

Sports and Games
Barbados has a strong cricketing tradition dating back to the 1800's when the game was played by British soldiers stationed on the island and by the plantation owners and members of the aristocracy. Barbados has produced some of the world's finest cricketers including Sir Garfield Sobers, the 3 Ws (Worrell, Walcott and Weekes) and the legendary opening pair Greenidge and Haynes. International matches are held regularly at Kensington Oval.

Dominoes is incredibly popular in Barbados! In rum shops and fishing villages you'll often hear the sound of people "slamming a dom" while discussing the days events and local politics.

Although not widely played, Warri (Oware) is gaining in popularity in Barbados. The game originated in West Africa and is similar in strategy to backgammon. It was introduced into Barbados in the 17th century by slaves on the sugar plantations.

Kite flying and pitching marbles are popular childhood pastimes.

Island Festivals
Like any culture, annual festivals are deeply important to Barbadians. Each has its own historical and cultural significance and is eagerly awaited. Crop Over reflects the history of the sugar industry, a protest against injustice and the ultimate liberation of an enslaved people. The Holetown Festival commemorates the arrival of the first British settlers. The Oistins Fish Festival pays tribute to those who work in the fishing industry.

Traditional Foods

Cou-cou and flying fish is the national dish of Barbados. Cou-cou, similar to polenta or grits but more creamy, is made from corn meal and okras. It is traditionally served with steamed flying fish in a tomato-based sauce but may also be served with salt fish, red herring or stew.

Another popular dish, especially for Saturday lunch, is "pudding and souse". Pudding is steamed sweet potato. Souse is pickled pork. Souse was traditionally made from the scrap parts of the pig (ears, trotters, tongue, etc) but today is often made from lean pork meat. Pudding and souse is usually served with pickled sweet potato or pickled breadfruit. The pickle is comprised of lime, cucumber, onion and hot peppers.

Other favourites are macaroni pie, fish cakes and cutter of all sorts!

Bajans also love a fish fry. The most popular is the Oistins Fish Fry but many are held across the island, usually on a Friday night and on the weekends. Delicious, freshly caught fish is served fried or grilled with sides such as macaroni pie, grilled potatoes, coleslaw and plantain.

For a sweet refreshing treat a snow-cone is must have!

Thanks to Barbados.org and also my young knowledge for this information.