Emancipation Day
Monday, August 3, 2009
Barbados Kadooment Day Date: August 3, 2009
Kadooment Day is a public holiday in Barbados.
Kadooment Day is a crop over day and the people of Barbados celebrate this day with great vigor and joy. It is a day when the people or the Bajans (as they are more properly known), undertake a total cut of their grown crop. Thus, this day, as according to their culture, is of importance and should be celebrated on a massive scale. Thus, the people of Barbados have a cultural as well as emotional attachment to the celebration of the Kadooment Day. Furthermore, the people celebrate this day with sheer enthusiasm and madness. They dance in the streets and sing their traditional folk songs.
Barbados Kadooment Day History
The celebration of Kadooment Day in Barbados has an ancient history. Masquerading was an old African tradition in which the people of the province used to roam all over the village in their traditional attire made of natural materials such as feathers, bones and grasses. They used to give the firstly grown crops to the Gods in the hope that “They will be happy and provide good luck”. Again, they also hoped that the evil spirits will be removed from the villages. Since those days, the celebration of modern Kadooment Day is observed.
Barbados Kadooment Day Traditions and Activities
The Grand Kadooment Day is also a major event in other parts of the African Continents. The countries also celebrate the carnival with the same enthusiasm. The honorable President of the respective countries is also invited as the chief guests at the carnivals. However, the security of the carnivals is maintained low, as it is thought that there is a marked low evil spirit in the area. Thus, in order to celebrate that thought, this step is taken. The Kaddoment Day celebrations attracts participants from various countries and the aura of this event makes everyone a part of the event.
There are strict laws governing the celebration of Kadooment Day. According to that, the people involved in celebration have to be registered in the costume band to intrude into registered revelers. A person found not undertaking such act can be charged a amount of BDS $15,000 or a two years imprisonment or in some cases both. People have great enthusiasm to celebrate this event and have been known to celebrate this event for two straight day’s non-stop. The crops are then sold out in the market or taken up by the families themselves. The festival is considered as a carnival in some cases. People, who are not registered as the carnival band, can view the spectacular event along the route, through which the carnivals passes by.
From http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/barbados-kadooment-day/
Holiday Of A Lifetime In Barbados
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
By Maxort Raity
The time of the year is approaching when a vacation to the perfect Caribbean location sounds like a great idea. There are many different locations in the Caribbean region to explore and this can make choosing a destination a little difficult. However, if you are truly looking for the perfect place to visit you may wish to consider a Barbados Holiday.
Those contemplating venturing out on a trip to Barbados might wish to look at a bit of back story on the island. This will allow travelers to gain an insight into what to expect on such a vacation. Barbados is a gorgeous coral island that emerged after a great deal of volcanic activity many centuries ago. On this unique island, you will discover many brilliant beaches as well as gullies and deep ridges decorated with a unique ensemble of fauna and flora. Barbados is also known for its rolling hills and various underground lakes and caves. These many underground lakes help keep Barbados maintain an adequate supply of pure drinking water.
An interesting fact that you may not know is that Barbados actually started out as two separate land masses that through the years merged together. While Barbados is a beautiful island, it also shares the distinct title of being one of the phenomenal Caribbean gems. With that being said, a Barbados holiday is more than just beaches, rolling hills and ridges and valleys. There are also excellent dive spots along the west coast of Barbados. The coral reef fringes the shoreline and is caressed by an incredible blue-green sea.
A holiday in Barbados can also come with a lot of entertaining nights filled with art, music, and other festivities. It is no overstatement to say you will find some truly amazing restaurants and dining when you engage in your Barbados travel. However, the most stunning thing you will find in Barbados is not the dining, lush land, or coral reefs. No, the most amazing aspect of Barbados is its people as they are among the friendliest and most accommodating people on the earth.
When you received a smile by a Barbadian you will realize that it is a sincere smile. It is a smile that comes from the heart and it will let you know that the locals of the island are truly pleased that you have decided to visit the island. The feeling is so enjoyable that a Barbados holiday may lead you to believe you have found a new home. You can feel free to make your vacation here truly as if you are home since you can do whatever you wish. This opens the door for a themed Barbados holiday.
Yes, that is true, as if the natural lushness is not enough you can plan a Barbados holiday around golf, ballet a glorious luxury holiday or even a romantic getaway. A Barbados holiday can really become your ideal getaway becoming whatever you want it to be. You can really find anything you want to do during your Barbados travel.
Those that are looking for a fun golfing venture will be happy to discover that Barbados offers a number of the very best golf courses in the world. In fact, various world golfing championships have been held here over the years. The main golf course in Barbados was created by a world famous designer who opted to craft a spectacular looking - and very challenging - course. Best of all, the prices for golf are quite reasonable which greatly adds to the experience.
If you prefer to take in as much nature as possible on your Barbados holiday, then you will want to make sure your Barbados travel includes a trip or two to the Botanical gardens or the caves. The Andromeda Botanical gardens holds some of the most incredible plants and flowers you will see anywhere in the world. If you are looking for inspiration for your own home and backyard, you may very well find yourself inspired by the water features that are found here as well.
The caves on the island present an exciting journey. Most travelers on a Barbados holiday will tour the caves found on the coast. The Harrison caves remain the most popular of all the caves. The Harrison caves are found underground and deliver an unforgettable day trip for those travelers that are feeling adventurous. While you are free to tour the caves on your own, it is best to take part in an organized tour since this is the safer and more convenient way to enjoy the caves.
Barbados is the true gem of the Caribbean. The island of Barbados represents a paradise that can be the basis for one of the most exciting vacations you ever take part in. No matter what you wish to do on land or sea, you can find it here. This is an excellent vacation resort that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a great deal of fun in the Caribbean sun.
From http://terrifictraveltips.com/cruises/holiday-of-a-lifetime-in-barbados/
Holetown
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Holetown, a small town in Barbados is the spot where the British first landed in 1625, previously they had made a temporary stop in 1620 to get fresh water.
A Captain Henry Powell sailing the ship Olive Blossom came back to Barbados in February 17, 1627 with fifty British settlers and ten slaves to form a new settlement.
The settlement called Jamestown was up until 1629 the only town on Barbados.
The town got the name Holetown from a very small body of water called "The Hole" which provided safe landing and ship cleaning to take place.
The settlers arrival has been celebrated since the 1970's with a week long festival beginning in the middle of February with the opening celebrations taking place at the Holetown Monument.
This monument dedicated to Captain Henry Powells landing, for some reason has his date of landing as 1605 which is incorrect but has not to this day been corrected.
This historic town is located on the West Coast of Barbados in the Parish of Saint James.
Today it's one of the most popular Parishes for visitors to the island, Sunset Crest a unique resort complex that is spread over 130 acres is part of modern day Holetown.
For entertainment there's Lexy Piano Bar & cabaret on second street.
There are many different types of restaurants, three of my favourites are, Just Grillin in Sunset Crest, an open air grill and bar, Angry Annie's which is well known for its curries and Ragamuffins Bar and restaurant that serves Bajan food and also has a drag show on Sunday nights.
If you're looking for an interesting day out visit the Folkestone Marine Park.
Short videos of Barbados and The Crane.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Crane Hotel This shows a bit of several areas of The Crane, pools, restaurant and more.
Insider's Barbados. Includes some history of Barbados and eating at Cafe Luna
Enjoy!
Labels: Barbados, Cafe Luna, Caribbean, Holetown, St. Lawrence Gap, The Crane
Make sure if you're going to Barbados to check out these amazing top 10 sights
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Your time in Barbados is guaranteed to be amazing. Now that it is growing massively in the tourism district there will be lots of great things to do. Here are some of the things that you should definitely try when you are going on Barbados holidays:
1. Go cruising on a catamaran. This is a great way for you to enjoy the clean blue ocean while having a few beers and being told about the area by a guide. You’re sure to have a great time and maybe even a dip in the sea.
2. Try the Ocean Park Aquarium. You can go to the fresh water falls and feed piranhas or go and see all the rays they have swimming around.
3. Rent a surf board and head out to the waves. This is a must, what a great sport. Even if your not completely successful you must give this a try and you will such a fun time.
4. Island Safari. Join an island safari and visit some of Barbados best kept secrets you will have a great time and see things others won’t have ever seen.
5. The arts and crafts born in Barbados. If you get the chance you must try and visit some of the museums or galleries with some very unique art.
6. The Submarine adventure. This is a must, sit in the submarine and enjoy all of the underwater life out of a window, no snorkel needed.
7. St Nicholas Abbey. This is a breathtaking sight and when you reach the top at 800 feet above sea level, you will be provided with an amazing view over the island.
8. Cave Bay. A very quite and calm beach where you can calm your body and enjoy the scenery. It is surrounded by rocks all the way around its perimeter and has stunning ruins behind it as well.
9. The St Lawrence strip. For all those looking for a crazy late night out, go and enjoy a miles worth of pubs, bars and clubs.
10. Try the Barbados Inn. For all you swashbucklers out there, or just those that want to experience the life of a pirate, head to this pub for a smashing time.
So go on Caribbean holidays in Barbados and have a great time. If you really like it you can have your weddings abroad as well.
Labels: Barbados, beach, boat, catamaran, Island Safari, Ocean Park, St. Lawrence Gap, St. Nicholas Abbey, surf
Barbados trip is thrilling
Saturday, June 13, 2009
by Jerry Lowell - Jun. 12, 2009 09:37 AM
Special for The Republic
We hoped our trip to Barbados would be filled with fun and excitement, but it started with a bigger thrill than we were anticipating. As we waited at Los Angeles International Airport for our flight, we were rocked by an earthquake. Welcome to LA! No harm done, though, and we were soon on our way to Barbados.
Our home for 10 days was the Bougainvillea Beach Resort on the southern coast. Although this is considered one of the more modest areas by Barbados standards, we faced a gorgeous beach. The western side, or "Platinum Coast," of Barbados is the preferred location for movie stars and other travelers with few budget restraints.
After de-stressing for a day, we summoned up the courage to rent a car to see the sights. Equipped with our driving experience in Scotland last year and two free maps, our confidence was high as we started out, on the left. We soon found our confidence was misplaced, however, as we got lost wherever we tried to go. Our advice is to have a better map, a strong marriage and plenty of courage.
We did manage to find Aerial Trek Zipline Adventures in Jack-in-the-Box Gully. Zip-lining across treetops was pure fun and highly recommended. Harrison's Cave also is a worthwhile stop. Seeing beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and underground streams and waterfalls aren't normally associated with Caribbean islands.
We saw as much of the island as we could. Our drives took us to the Flower Forest, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Farley Hill National Park and numerous other highlights. The wildlife reserve was especially memorable, as we were visited by a troupe of mischievous green monkeys. Quietly they came out of the deep, dark rain forest, stopped to say hello, then continued on their way.
Another must-do is spending a day on a catamaran. Several companies will take you out for a day of snorkeling among turtles and a shipwreck, lunch and an afternoon cruise. We chose Silver Moon Charters (oceanadventuresbarbados.com), and it was a fun and fitting way to end our trip.
Details: visitbarbados.org.
From http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/12/20090612trpeople0614.html
Labels: Aerial Trek Zipline Adventures, Barbados, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Farley Hill, Flower Forest, Harrison's Cave, Jack-in-the-Box Gully, snorkel
A Lucky Person Wins a Trip to The Crane!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Lands' End Announces Winner for Island Sweepstakes
DODGEVILLE, Wis., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Lands' End today announced Kimberly Krauzowicz of Tecumseh, Michigan as the winner of The Barbados Island Experience Sweepstakes. Krauzowicz was randomly selected from the more than 275,000 entries that Lands' End received. Ms. Krauzowicz will enjoy a trip for four to The Crane Resort in Barbados - the ultimate island vacation experience. Lands' End hosted the sweepstakes to celebrate the introduction of a new experiential shopping site, at www.landsend.com/getaway, which offers a fun and interactive new way to experience swimsuit shopping online. The sound of waves, images of cabanas and a flowing waterfall transport visitors to a private island getaway while they can view and shop effortlessly for Lands' End swimsuits.
"I couldn't believe that I was selected as the winner," said Krauzowicz. "My husband and I were married in Barbados eight years ago so this trip will be an amazing anniversary present! I can't wait to visit Barbados again!"
The luxurious Crane Resort in Barbados is set on the Crane Beach, overlooking a breathtaking blue sea and is the Caribbean's first resort hotel. The Barbados Tourism Authority will also be providing Krauzowicz and three traveling companions surf lessons, a private walking tour of historical Bridgetown with a local historian, a visit to the George Washington House, the only place outside the United States where the president slept, and more. In addition to round-trip airfare, transportation, and meals, all four will be outfitted in Lands' End Swimwear and accessories.
Visitors to www.landsend.com/getaway can scroll through the multiple Lands' End swimwear collections in a fashion show runway format complete with the beautiful tropical backdrop. Dramatic lifestyle images with details of each swimsuit are easy to see with large, sharp visuals, front and back views and enhanced zoom capabilities. Island hoppers and shoppers can quickly view four distinct swimsuit collections with a single click: Beach Living(R), AquaTerra(TM), Slenderizers and the Resort Collections.
About Lands' End
Lands' End(R) is one of the world's largest merchants of casual clothing for women, men, children and infants around the world. Lands' End merchandise can be purchased online at www.landsend.com, by calling 1-800-800-5800 and by visiting the Lands' End Shops at Sears. Lands' End is a proud member of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD). And, all high-quality Lands' End merchandise is Guaranteed. Period.(R)
About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world's sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com. Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor's '2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards' in its Top 100 Destinations category. Follow the Barbados beat and catch up on the latest news via the Barbados Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/barbadosbeat and Twitter at www.twitter.com/barbadostourism. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.
About The Crane
Set on 40 acres of oceanfront land in the parish of St. Philip on the Southeast Coast of Barbados, The Crane is the island's oldest vacation resort. Conveniently located just six minutes east of Grantley Adams International Airport, the resort boasts a spectacular natural setting on a cliff overlooking the renowned Crane Beach. The Crane was recently awarded a Four Diamond rating from the Automobile Association of America (AAA). Today, The Crane is comprised of the original historic hotel building, built in the late 1700's and expanded in 1887, and a new all-suite development. Seven of ten phases of The Crane's new development are complete. On completion of the development, this world-class report will also feature a Bajan village offering retail shops, bar 1812, art gallery and museum; a full-service spa set in a coconut grove on the beach, a choice of gourmet and casual restaurants and flood-lit tennis courts. www.thecrane.com