History and Culture
Discover Barbados’ roots
Barbados is growing as a tourist destination and is most popular for its warm tropical climate and its stunning white sandy beaches. But what many visitors may not realize is that this Caribbean island is also very rich in character and in culture.
The island of Barbados created when two land forms collided. Over time, coral formed to forge the two land masses together, creating the island. It is a little unclear as to when the island was first inhabited, but artifacts found in the region of St. Charles date back to 1600 B.C. Some of the first early settlers on the island were the Arawaks, a tribe of that survived by farming and fishing. It wasn’t until hundreds of years later, around 1200 A.D., that the Carib Indians discovered the tropical paradise and settled there. This tribe reportedly had cannibalistic tendencies and used poisoned darts to catch their prey.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to visit the island some time during the 1400s, and they named it Los Barbados. During the same century, the Spaniards arrived and fought the Caribs, consequently making them slaves. However, the Spanish also brought disease, and the Carib people were essentially wiped out. During the early 1600s, the British arrived in Barbados and claimed it as British land. Towns were built and a parliament was even established on the island. At the same time, slavery became popular as the sugar industry took off, and natives of the island lived in poor conditions until slavery was abolished in 1834.
Barbados is a very different place today. The atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful, and the people are open and friendly. Barbadians are still very much in touch with their roots. Houses that date back to the 1600s still remain on the island, and the Spanish and British architecture points to the history of the island. There a number of museums and heritage sites throughout the island that house interesting artifacts that date back to Barbados’ earliest civilization.
Barbados also has a very rich musical culture and the island has produced many talented performers of jazz, calypso and opera. When you visit the island, do not miss an opportunity to catch a performance or concert.
