Basketry
There are three main types of baskets that are unique to Barbados. Each is made from a specific fibre of plant material that grows locally.
Cohobblopot Colouring Book
Produced in 2023, Cohobblopot mixes and mingles tidbits on Bajan traditions and practices with activities like dot-to-dot, crossword puzzle and word scramble providing a stimulating learning experience where children can colour, play and, at the same time, discover the richness of Barbadian intangible cultural heritage. Illustrated by graphic artist, Anisah Wood, researched, written and produced by Research Officer, Michelle Springer, Cohobblopot A Bajan Heritage Fun Book For Children features Barbados’ indigenous handicrafts like basketry; heritage games like potta and warri while also highlighting games like road tennis, native to the island, beach cricket and sticklicking. It also spotlights social and religious activities practiced across the island by groups such as the Spiritual Baptists, Muslims, and Rastafarians, which are seldom portrayed in public. Information and illustrations on Stations of the Cross, Eid ul-Fitr and Holi, or Phagwah, are included, respectively.
Bush Tea
Many plants we find in our gardens and gullies have healing benefits for many kinds of sicknesses.
Service of Song
These were popular social events that featured singing, solos and chorales of psalms, gospels, negro spirituals and folk songs.
Excursion
Years ago, plantation workers used to save their pennies for the train fare and to make contributions towards the meal. After the trains stopped running buses were used.
Excursion
Excursions are like picnics, only better! Some people think of them as a truly Bajan institution.
Dances and Brams
The weekend dance was a big part of the social lives of the Enslaved right up until the 1820s. Dances or 'brams' took place everywhere on and off the plantation and in Bridgetown.
Kite Flying
Kite flying is another pastime that has some connections to Africa. Archeologists found kite-flying depicted in Egyptian paintings dating before 400 B.C.
Barbados Landship
The Barbados Landship is over 150 years old. It is one of the oldest organisations run by Black Barbadians to help poor people.
Oistins
This festival started in 1978 as a way to encourage community activities in the fishing town of Oistins.
Stations of the Cross
Good Friday is observed by Christians around the world as the betrayal, arrest and death of Jesus Christ.
Eid ul-Fitr
The holy month of Ramadan ends when the new moon is seen and the "Festival of Fast-Breaking", Eid ul-Fitr begins.
Bajan Heritage Word Scramble
Word puzzle
Nyabinghi
Nyabinghi drumming is a gathering where Rastafarians come together to celebrate and remember important dates throughout the year.
Holi (or Phagwah)
Holi, or Phagwah as it is commonly called, is an annual Hindu Festival of Colours celebrating the arrival of spring.
Road Tennis
Road tennis is similar to table tennis or lawn tennis, but played on a smooth road surface, usually with a painted court.
Beach Cricket
Cricket in Barbados is more than a sport; for many it's almost like a religion. It gained popularity in Barbados between 1870 and 1900.
Stick Licking
Bajan sticklicking, or stickfighting, also has its roots in Africa. Part self-defense, part sport, this cultural form used to be a way of life in Barbados. Skilled stick-lickers are known as scientists or science-men.
Word Search
Bajan Heritage and Traditions - Find and circle the words in the puzzle from the list
Warri
Mancala, or "pit and pebble" games, are a family of games played with small stones or seeds, in rows of holes or small pits in the Earth or on a board or other playing surface.
Potta
Potta is also a "pit and pebble" game that has its roots in Africa and Asia. When players are about to win, they often yell "Potta" to caution their opponent and announce their imminent victory.
Independence
During a ceremony at the Garrison Savannah by Barbados' first Prime Minister and National Hero, the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, Q.CIndependence
After Independence in 1966 there was great excitement among people involved in the arts to express themselves in dance, theatre, literature and music. This resulted in the emergence of the very first National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) in November 1973. Since 1983, The National Cultural Foundation has been producing NIFCA.
Oistins
The Barbados Landship is over 150 years old. It is one of the oldest organisations run by Black Barbadians to help poor people.