As a longtime colony of Britain, English is the official language of Barbados. This same colonial period has resulted in the Anglican Church being the largest of the religions in Barbados. The decendents of black African slave form about 80% of todays population and a variety of other races forming the balance. The period of slavery and sugar plantation life has had a strong influence on the people of Barbados, as shown in the festivals and holidays.

About Barbados | Barbados History | Barbados Culture

A festival first celebrated on the sugar plantations, Crop Over is a means of celebrating the end of a hard-working sugar cane season. The three-week festival runs from mid-July to early August. This showcase of Barbadian culture, brings out both the African and British heritage of the island. Activities include plantation fairs, a donkey-cart parade, a King and Queen of the Crop competition, street malls and the "Pic-o-de-Crop" Calypso Monarch competition.

The Barbados Museum and Historical Society, established in 1933, is housed in the historic Military Prison of St. Ann's Garrison, erected to accommodate the British Army between 1790 and 1853. In addition to its permanent displays, the museum also has a gallery for temporary exhibits. Its library of current and historical publications is open to the public for research purposes.

The Barbados Jazz Fesival brings together top billing performers from the U.S.A., Canada, UK, Latin America and the Caribbean with the best of Barbadian artists in a celebration that attracts much international attention. Concerts are staged in January against the backdrop of tropical Barbados.

The National Cultural Foundation was established in 1983 to encourage cultural events on the island, but not all are organised by the Foundation. There are a few major “shows” arranged by private organisations and designed as night-life entertainment at dinner. The Barbados Craft Guild also organises major craft shows and private galleries periodically exhibit collections..