Here are some facts about Barbados Independence Day 2015!
- Independence Day is celebrated on November 30th
- Independence Day is a national holiday in Barbados, hooray!
- 1966 marks the year Barbados achieved independence from the British, who had controlled Barbados as a colony since 1627.
- 1625 marks the year the first British landed in Barbados. They were sailors looking for water supplies for their voyage from South America to England.
- 1627 & 1628 marks the years when British settlers came to the island & took control. The natives were made slaves & along with slaves from Africa, the British used them to plant sugar cane.
- Several unsuccessful slave rebellions occurred during British rule & the number of African slaves brought into Barbados increased tremendously.
- In the 18th century, most of the population of Barbados was black, a contrast from the English and Scots-Irish predominance from the previous century.
- 1834 marks the year when slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire.
- 1930s marks the time when the descendants of slaves began fighting for equal rights within Barbados. The problem was exasperated as British farmers still maintained political control of the island.
- 1949 marks the year when control was seized from the British.
- 1958 marks the year when Sir Grantley Adams, founder of the Barbados Labour Party, became the first Premier of Barbados.
- 1958 also marks the year that Barbados became a self-governing colony of the British
- In 1958 Sir Grantley Adams also started negotiations for the country’s independence.
- 1966 is the year Independence was finally granted on November 30.
- 1966 is also the year Barbados became part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
- 1967 is the year Barbados was granted a seat at the United Nations & the Organization of American States.
Have you visited on the island to witness Barbados’ Independence Day traditions?
- Celebrations commence with an impressive parade & ceremony at the Garrison Savannah. The Garrison is situated near to the capital Bridgetown and very close to Hastings.
- For the entire month of November, Barbados offers sports, fairs, community events, and religious services dedicated to the theme of Independence.
- The Parliament Buildings are decorated with colors of blue and gold, and public buildings and businesses are adorned with the colors and flags of Barbados.
- Talented Barbadians join together on this day to display their talents in music, dance, drama, photography, and arts and crafts at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts.
- The exhibitions run throughout November, and a final gala is organized to present awards for outstanding Barbadian artists.