Culture & Festivals

Steeped in rich history with a strong culture, the heritage of Barbados is one that is celebrated in every corner of the island. Long celebrated as the jewel in the Caribbean’s crown, the people of Barbados always put on a united celebration for events around the calendar. At Virgo VIllas, we embrace the culture and festivals to give you an authentic stay.

From music to food and sport all the way through to the country’s spirit of choice; rum, there is an annual festival for every holidaymaker across the calendar. This eclectic mix of festivals has made Barbados the dreamy destination for celebration, and here are a few of our most favourite cultural activities;

Plan your perfect stay today

Horse racing in Barbados

Horse racing is an exciting element of the Bajan culture and “Going to the Races” is a top attraction on the island for locals and returning holidaymakers alike;

George Washington house

Few people know that George Washington visited Barbados in 1751 when he was 19 years old.

Historic bridgetown

Historic Bridgetown and it’s Garrison is a magnificent settlement dating back to the 17th century.

The Arlington House Museum

The Arlington House Museum is a little gem in Speightstown, a historic town in the northern part of the island.

Food and rum festival

If you’re a food traveller always looking for new and exciting food and beverage experiences, you really need to attend the Barbados Food and Rum festival!

The Holetown festival

The Holetown Festival is an event that reflects the joy of living – representing the people of Barbados, together with their traditions and (of course) fantastic food.

Morgan Lewis windmill

At one time there were over 500 working windmills on Barbados that ground the sugarcane in the 17th and 18th century.

Barbados gourmet safari

What could be more fun than a Gourmet Safari? Just the name of it wakes up the tastebuds!

Crop over

Crop Over Festival is a centuries old tradition that dating back to the late 1700’s that donors the end of the sugar cane season.

Farley hill

This ruined old plantation house leaves you hungry for more information on the history of the ancient plantation system in Barbados.

Whats special about Barbados

Without a doubt, each island in the Caribbean has its own unique identity born from its topography, history and culture.

10 amazing things about Barbados

You might have heard about the beaches, the food, the nightlife, the plantation great houses, the hospitality...

An island for all seasons

The most popular time to travel to Barbados is during the winter months, when the days are shorter and colder in the northern part of the globe.

Inherited from the British

As Britain’s first colony in the Caribbean, and one that remained resolutely in British hands up until its independence in 1966.

Oistins Fish Festival

If food is more your thing then the Oistins Annual Fish Festival held around March is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some of the best fish from the local waters. Attracting over 30,000 people annually the festival celebrates the importance of fisheries and the islands strong fishing community.

Barbados Jazz Excursion

Centered around the music of jazz and held over the Columbus Day weekend, this festival boasts a world-renowned jazz music line-up combined with sports events, cruises and fun for all ages.

First class culture

Given its colonial past-time Barbados has a captivating blend of Afro-Caribbean and British culture. The country's national language is English and the capital, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with rich cultural locations and historic reference points. We’ve included below a few of the most popular cultural hubs that happily complement a stay in one of our rental villas in Barbados.

St Nicholas Abbey’s Great House

Filled with intriguing tales of its Barbadian and American History with hard truths about facinating former owners.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery

One of the biggest and oldest rum distilleries in the world. A tour of this famous distillery will have you learning about the process of making rum and the unparalleled work that goes into making one of the best quality rums on the planet.