History & Culture

Drawing on its English, African and West Indian roots, Barbados has established its own distinctive identity, evidenced in its customs, traditions and values, and passionately expressed through the rich history, exceptional cuisine and artistic talents of its people.

Though given the name “Los Barbados” by Portuguese sailors in the 1500’s, Europeans were not the first to inhabit this easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles. This distinction goes to the Amerindians who arrived from Venezuela, followed by the Arawak Indians, who in turn were dismissed by the Carib Indians in the 13th century. But when the first English settlers arrived in 1627, they found an island that was largely uninhabited, and set about establishing a colony that would remain a part of the British Empire for 334 years.

History & Culture

Bajan Culture 101

We are immensely proud of our way of life which comes from our African/British heritage. We celebrate this heritage every day in the way we think, speak and embrace life.

History & Culture

Barbados Private Estates - Fustic House

Fustic House is one of the most naturally beautiful properties on the island.

History & Culture

Land of Flying Fish

Barbados is known as the land of the Flying Fish. These foot-long fish, which “fly” over the water for up to 200ft, are found in other waters but Bajans have refined the skill of de-boning them.

Learn the History of the World’s Oldest Rum

History & Culture

Learn the History of the World’s Oldest Rum

Mount Gay Rum of Barbados tells the story of the world’s oldest and finest rum.