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Barbados Independence Day

Get ready to celebrate Barbados Independence Day with vibrant parades, delicious traditional food, and lively cultural performances!
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When it is?
November 30
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Category
Federal
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Country
Barbados
Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and lively culture of Barbados on November 30 for its Independence Day! This day marks the anniversary of Barbados gaining independence from British rule in 1966. Since then, it has been a national holiday filled with colorful parades, traditional music and dancing, and delicious local cuisine. The island is known for its stunning beaches, friendly people, and rich history – making it the perfect destination to celebrate this special day. So grab your sunscreen and join in on the festivities!

History of Barbados Independence Day

Barbados Independence Day Dates

Barbados Independence Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1627</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Colonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>British settlers landed at present-day Holetown, marking the beginning of British colonization of Barbados.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1807</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Slave Trade</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Kingdom abolished the slave trade throughout its empire, impacting the economy of Barbados, which relied heavily on slave labour in sugar production.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1834</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emancipation Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>Slavery was fully abolished on Barbados through the Emancipation Act passed by the British Parliament.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Universal Adult Suffrage</div><div class='timeline-text'>Adult suffrage was introduced to Barbados, allowing all adults aged 21 and over to vote, regardless of their gender, race or social status.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Barbados gained independence from British rule on November 30th, starting the annual celebration of Barbados Independence Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Republic Status</div><div class='timeline-text'>Barbados announced plans to remove the British Queen as head of state and become a republic by Barbados independence day in 2021.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Barbados Independence Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Barbados Independence Day by attending one of the many festivals held on the island. Enjoy traditional music, dancing, and delicious food while immersing yourself in the culture of Barbados.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with colors of the flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of Barbados Independence Day by decorating your home or workspace with the colors of the flag – blue, yellow, and black. You can hang flags, streamers, or create your own decorations with these colors.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional Bajan cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the flavors of Barbados by trying some traditional Bajan dishes such as flying fish, cou-cou, and macaroni pie. You can also attend a cooking class to learn how to make these dishes yourself.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many parades are held on Barbados Independence Day, featuring colorful costumes, music, and dancing. Find out where the nearest parade is and join in on the festivities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of Barbados</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the history of Barbados and how it gained its independence. You can visit historical sites, museums, or attend a lecture or presentation on the topic.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Barbados Independence Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of freedom and pride</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Barbados Independence Day is a day to celebrate the country's independence from British rule. It's a time for Bajans to come together and commemorate their history, culture, and achievements as an independent nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There are colorful celebrations and events</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From parades to concerts to festivals, Barbados Independence Day is full of vibrant celebrations that showcase the country's culture and traditions. The streets are filled with music, dancing, and traditional costumes - making it a fun and lively day for all!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an opportunity to try delicious Bajan cuisine</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the best ways to experience a country's culture is through its food. On Barbados Independence Day, you can indulge in some mouth-watering Bajan dishes like flying fish, cou-cou, and macaroni pie. It's a delicious way to celebrate the holiday!</p></div></div>

5 Shocking Facts About Barbados Independence Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Barbados Independence Day Features a Broken Trident</h3><p class='facts-content'>To symbolize the break from Britain, celebrations of Barbados Independence Day often feature the national symbol of a broken trident, which appears on the country's flag.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Awards Are Given Out on Barbados Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>The government honours citizens who have made significant contributions to Barbados both nationally and internationally with awards presented on Independence Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Independence Day is marked by a ceremonial parade featuring the Barbados Defence Force</h3><p class='facts-content'>This military parade typically occurs at the Garrison Savannah, a historic horse racing location used by British officers in the mid-1800s.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There is a national independence festival of creative arts</h3><p class='facts-content'>This festival provides a stage for Barbadians to showcase their creativity in dance, music, drama, writing, fine art, photography and culinary arts, culminating around Independence Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Independence Day is announced by midnight beacons</h3><p class='facts-content'>On the night of November 29, leading into Independence Day, a series of beacons across the country are lit at midnight to announce the arrival of Independence Day.</p></div></div>

Barbados Independence Day FAQs

When is Barbados Independence Day?

Barbados Independence Day is celebrated on November 30 every year. In 2024, the celebration will fall on a Saturday.

Barbados Independence Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Nov 30

Thursday

2024

Nov 30

Saturday

2025

Nov 30

Sunday

2026

Nov 30

Monday

2027

Nov 30

Tuesday

Federal Holidays