Christmas in the Caribbean is unmatched, but the true vibe of Barbados yuletide season keeps both locals and visitors comfortable, content and of course, satiated.

Most Bajans will tell you that Christmas officially gets going as soon as independence celebrations wrap up on November 30th. The blue and yellow patriotic decorations which adorn our commercial buildings are replaced overnight with bright, festive lights and all the trimmings to match.

Our radio stations and local media follow this trend as well. We take a break from our local and regional favorites as the airwaves are dominated by the music of the season. There are the humorous stylings of the contemporary West Indian parang and parang-soca which are mixed with the Christmas classics sung by the likes of Dolly Parton and Elton John to cater for the more traditional amongst us.

Maybe it’s the lighthearted atmosphere of Bridgetown which really cements the joy of Christmas in Barbados. Swan Street, the heart of Bridgetown, is transformed into a hive of activity as merchants bring their stock right onto the street. Toys, rugs, curtains, you name it, all become part of the roadside shopping experience. The more creative vendors are known to dress in various Christmas-related costumes as a way of enticing children and their parents to spend a bit more than budgeted.

One of the best aspects of Christmas in Barbados is that no one is left out. There are many companies and charitable organizations that arrange toy drives, lunches and even free concerts with our local entertainers for those who struggle financially in our communities. These very charities also provide haircuts and clean clothes for the homeless so that they, too, are part of the Christmas action.

As the sun rises on Christmas day, people make their way to Queens Park. The men especially are dressed to the nines. It’s truly a sight to see them sharply dressed in three-piece suites, with hats and canes to match. This is a time to listen and dance to live musical selections and reunite with acquaintances you haven’t seen since the year before.

With our homes freshly painted and adorned with brand new curtains, while smelling deliciously of ham baked in the juices of local beer, it’s then time for everyone’s favorite part: the food! Certainly, food is best when shared with others so it’s definitely time to lime. That’s how we in Barbados love to spend Christmas: lots of music, lots of food and of course, lots of friends.

 

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