barbados events - always exciting year of activities ahead!

In Bridgetown they are often heard to say "It doesn't get better than Barbados" and looking at the next 12 months of events this is certainly no understatement.

BARBADOS 2009 - FESTIVALS, MUSIC AND SPORT >>

In 2006 and 2007 Barbados hosted two world class events - The World Golf Championships and The Cricket World Cup. Literally thousands of fans travelled to Barbados to attend the events and millions watched on TV and the Internet as the events were played out. December 2006 saw the start of the World Golf Championships where top golfers competed at Sandy Lane's world class Country Club course. Sandy Lane, renowned for its glamour and celebrity guests, was also a favourite amongst the worlds golfing elite. Tiger Woods chose Sandy Lane as the place to marry his fiancé, Elin Nordegren in 2004.

During March and April 2007 Barbados was at the heart of the ICC Cricket World Cup. Covering the key Super Eight matches and the final on April 28th, this was the largest sporting event ever held in the Caribbean. Petra Roach, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Barbados Tourism Authority, was quoted as saying: "The Barbadian love of sport is matched equally by our love of life, which is why we ensured that these events are more than just wonderful sporting occasions. Around each we put on special entertainment for all the family, ranging from concerts featuring world famous orchestras to festivals of local music - all done with a passionate Barbados spirit."

The diversity, range and quality restaurants in Barbados was also publicised in a new ZAGAT guide for Barbados Restaurants. From French and Italian food to Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Polynesian and, of course, Bajan dishes this guide helps establish Barbados as an international destination for those travellers who enjoy such a wealth of diversified eating places. With such a colourful and varied choice of luxury hotels, villas and apartments, glorious beaches, culture, history, attractions and nightlife Barbados is set for yet another year of wonderful events and superb holiday destinations.

2009 Calendar of Events

January
The Barbados Jazz Festival
12 to 18 January

This major annual event brings together top billed performers from the U.S.A., Canada, UK, Latin America and the Caribbean with the best of Barbadian artists in an entertainment package that attracts much international attention. The seven-day event is staged at various venues across the island reflecting the diverse nature of the festival. This year performers include James Blunt, Angie Stone, DeeDee Bridgewater, Glenn Lewis, and Chrisette Michelle.

February
Holetown Festival
15 to 21 February

On 17 February 1627, the first English settlers arrived in Barbados. Holetown Festival commemorates this anniversary with a week of continuous activity – street parades, sidewalk art shows, sports, drama – all highlighting Barbados’ culture and history.

March
Saturday 07 March
Sandy Lane Gold Cup

The highlight of Barbados’ horse-racing calendar and one of the most eagerly anticipated horse-racing events of the Caribbean is the annual Sandy Lane Gold Cup. This prestigious affair attracts the best horses and jockeys from across the region, U.S.A and Canada. 2009 commemorates Sandy Lane’s 12th year of sponsoring this event.

Holders Opera Season - The Caribbean’s Leading Performance Arts Festival.
14 March to 04 April

Enjoy an exciting season of opera, classical music, drama and jazz in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable – the spectacular grounds of Holders Plantation House – an elegant, historic 17th century estate. Founded in 1993, Holders Season features a variety of world class performances by both local and international artistes.

April
Oistins Fish Festival
11 -13 April

Oistins is the main fishing town of Barbados and each Easter, this festival acknowledges and honours those in the fishing industry. Activities include competitions in fishing and crab racing, street fairs, art and craft exhibitions and boat races – all to the sweet sounds of rhythmic calypso and reggae beats.

  May
16 to 24 May
Gospelfest

The Caribbean’s premier gospel festival, Gospelfest features top local, regional and international gospel talent in a week of concerts and Christian events. The music of this festival is uplifting and varied and includes reggae, calypso, jazz and soul.

16 to 30 May
The Celtic Festival

For two weeks, Barbados celebrates the sights and sounds of Celtic lands with performances from a Welsh mixed-voice choir to Scottish folk dancers; traditional Scottish music, Welsh clog dancing and a variety of performances at churches, halls and hotels.

July
Crop Over Festival
July 04 to August 03

Celebrating the final harvest of the sugar cane crop (hence the name Crop Over), Crop Over is a lively showcase of all facets of Barbadian culture.  The festival begins with an opening gala featuring the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and culminates with Grand Kadooment, the biggest party of the year - a huge carnival parade.  This three-week festival is the highlight of summer in Barbados. With numerous ceremonies, competitions, exciting shows, pulsating music and sumptous food, this is a fantastic opportunity to participate in the splendor and vibrant cultural experience that is Crop Over.

October
07 to 11 October
Taste of Barbados

The highlight of the local culinary calendar, this is a celebration of the diversity of local cuisine with cooking classes and demonstrations, cocktail clinics and wine and rum tastings.

November
National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA)

Introduced in 1973, NIFCA provides a forum for all Barbadians to showcase their creative skills in areas ranging from dance, music, photography and art. There are no limits to the competitions which move from the community through parishes to the national level. The festival ends on Independence Day – November 30 - with a gala Award ceremony.

December
04 to 06 December
“Run Barbados” Festival

Accredited by the International Association of Marathons, this is a weekend-long
fun-filled sporting event with a full marathon, a half marathon a 10km run and a 5km.