Culture of Barbados 5443055 215573838 2008-05-28T20:15:33Z 207.69.140.37 /* Barbados Events */ The '''culture of Barbados''' is a blend of West African and British cultures present in [[Barbados]]. The [[Bajan]], or Barbadian dialect is an iconic part of the culture. But English is still the official language, reflecting centuries of British rule. The island's British influence stretches back to 1625, when Captain John Powell claimed it in the name of [[James I of England|King James I]]. The first colonists arrived two years later, founding a settlement of 80 civilians and 10 [[slaves]]. Early on, Barbados adopted the British style of government, creating a [[Parliamentary democracy]] in 1639. During the colonial period, all members of the Legislative Assembly were white. After slavery was abolished in 1838, non-whites quickly began to play a role in the island's government, with the first minority member elected in 1843. Although Barbados gained full independence from Britain in 1966, it has retained its governmental style and remains a member of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. In addition to government, the British passed down their love of [[cricket]]. The most popular sport on Barbados, its [[Barbadian cricket team|cricket team]] has won numerous regional matches. Many players on the team go on to success on the [[West Indian cricket team|West Indies team]] to compete in international games. In fact, one of the most highly regarded cricket players of all time, Sir [[Garfield Sobers]], is a Barbados native. The country's architecture pays further testament to Britain, with many historic buildings still standing. In addition to traditional wood and stone, coral was also used in construction, lending a unique Barbadian flair. [[Jacobean architecture|Jacobean]], [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]], and [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] styles dominate. But slaves constructed many of these buildings, as well as their own [[chattel house]]s, so they were an integral part of the island's architectural legacy. Built of wood, chattel houses were set atop blocks instead of permanent foundations so they could be easily moved from place to place. The vivid colors of these chattel houses shows the West African influence. Religion plays an important role in life on the island. With its long British ties, the [[Anglican]] church serves the largest segment of the population{{Fact|date=January 2008}}. However, [[Roman Catholic]], [[Baptist]], [[Methodist]], and other [[Christian]] denominations also support congregations. The Christian population celebrates its deeply-rooted faith in an annual festival, [[Gospelfest]]. Smaller [[Judaism|Jewish]], [[Hinduism|Hindu]], and [[Islam|Muslim]] communities add some religious diversity. In addition to Gospelfest, Barbados holds many other carnivals and festivals. The [[Landship (Barbados)|Landship]] is a Barbadian tradition. It mimics and parodies the [[Royal Navy]], and incorporates music, dance and games. The largest and most important festival in Barbados is [[Crop Over]], which celebrates the end of the [[sugarcane]] harvest. Lasting three weeks, it includes fairs, parades, and contests. The [[music of Barbados]] is an important part of the country's culture. Modern Barbados has produced popular stars of [[calypso music|calypso]] and the indigenous [[spouge]] style, and also has a large [[jazz]] scene. [[Reggae]], [[Soca music|soca]], and [[tuk]] are popular as well. Every January, Barbados hosts the [[Barbados Jazz Festival]]. In mid-February, Barbados hosts the [[Barbados Holetown Festival]] which celebrates the arrival of the first English settlers. ==References== * {{cite book |author = Millington, Janice |id = ISBN 0-8153-1865-0 |chapter = Barbados |pages = pp 813 - 821 |publisher = Routledge |title = Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Vol. 2 |year = 1999 }} == External links== * [http://www.ncf.bb/ The Barbados National Cultural Foundation] - NCF * [http://bajanfuhlife.com/cropover/ Bajanfuhlife.com] (Home of Crop Over) * [http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Afghanistan-to-Bosnia-Herzegovina/Barbadians.html About Barbados] * [http://www.barbados.gov.bb/culture.htm Government of Barbados] - Barbados culture * [http://www.barbados.gov.bb/society.htm Government of Barbados] - Barbados Society * [http://www.bajantube.com/ Bajantube.com View and share Bajan videos] ===Barbados Events=== * [* [http:// * [http://www.bridgetownfilmfestival.com/ The Bridgetown Film Festival] * [http://humanities.uwichill.edu.bb/filmfestival/ Barbados Festival of African and Caribbean Film] * [http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/fhe/LLL/FilmSociety/index.htm Cave Hill Film Society] [[Category:Barbadian culture| ]] [[fr:Culture de la Barbade]]