Culture and Customs
Like many Caribbean islands, the culture, art music and traditions of Barbados have been heavily influenced by the West African slaves brought in to work the plantations hundreds of years ago. Added to this heritage is the overwhelmingly strong infusion of British colonial culture and religion which has resulted in a unique, colourful and successful blend of many seemingly invisible elements.
The Caribbean Island of Barbados has a rich culture and heritage, which can be experienced in the local cuisine, architecture, indigenous musical forms and festivals. The island has a wide variety of cultural and historic attractions. It possesses an impressive collection of old homes, dating back to the 17th century along with its historical churches, monuments and caves with Indian artefacts. Barbados is also home to many talented artists. Pottery, sculpture, painting, mahogany work, handmade dolls, batik, straw bags, shell jewellery and placemats dot the local market. The selection of fine quality art and craft is endless. Art galleries can be visited all around the island and they sell the work of the local artists.
Music is an important part of the culture. Spouge and Tuk are indigenous forms of music, although Calypso is also dominant especially at the Crop-Over festival. The effect of Barbados’ unique blend of African and European Culture can be seen in all the festivals, as well as in everyday life of Barbadians.
Over 100 religious groups practise on the island, from the Anglican majority to smaller Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and The Salvation Army, Muslim and Quaker faiths.
Much like the weather, the locals possess a warm and sunny disposition and display a readiness to welcome and help visitors to their island paradise. Another cultural passion adopted from the English is the game of Cricket which seems to be played and followed with enthusiasm by young and old at almost any opportunity.
Music and celebration are a major part of Bajan life, with the sounds of calypso and reggae providing a fun and festive backdrop to fine dining and romantic days and nights.
Most countries around the world have their own customs when it comes to tipping and gratuities, and Barbados is no exception. Many restaurants and hotels now include a service charge with the bill, but if this not the case; it is customary to add 10-15% for a meal, depending on the standard of service. Bartenders usually receive $1 or more per round of drinks, maids $2 per day, porters and bellhops around $1 per bag, and taxi drivers about 10% of the fare. Unlike other parts of the world, haggling is not customary in Barbados, although in some instances politely asking for a better price may bring a favourable result.
With its strong British roots, it’s not surprising that the predominant religion in Barbados is Christianity, with nearly 70% of the population belonging to the Anglican Church as well as the Church of England and other Protestant churches. Catholicism and other forms of Christianity are also represented, as well as smaller Hindu, Muslim and Jewish minority groups. In general, over 100 religious groups practise on the island, from the Anglican majority to smaller Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and The Salvation Army, Muslim and Quaker faiths.
Barbadians have fun-loving nature and tend to be polite, family oriented and fairly conservative. Even though many people spend a lot of time on the beach, visitors are expected to dress more conservatively when away from the beach. Saying hello and good-bye – even when entering a shop, is the local way, so learning and using some of these customs can go a long way to earning respect.
