Holetown Festival
If you're planning on a visit to Holetown, Barbados, anyway, try to book your travel for the week of February 17, during the Holetown Festival. An annual festival held each year since 1977 to commemorate the founding of Holetown, the Holetown Festival is one of the most enjoyable annual events in Barbados.
History of the Holetown Festival
Holetown, previously known as Jamestown or St. James Town, was the first permanent English settlement on the island of Barbados. In 1625, the English Captain Henry Powell was blown off course on his way to South America, and landed on what would later become Holetown. One year later with the backing of an English merchant, Powell returned to the area and set up a settlement. He landed on February 17, 1626, the date recognized as the official founding of Holetown.
Although the town was settled in 1626, it wasn't until 1976 that local broadcaster, actor, and musician, Alfred Pragnell, conceived of a plan to hold an annual festival commemorating the founding of Holetown. Pragnell convinced a number of musicians and organisations to join him, and the Holetown Festival was born. Pragnell passed away in 2004, but his beloved festival has continued on. Today, the festival lasts a week, beginning around February 14, and ending on February 21.
Music
For lovers of Caribbean or Calypso music, there's no better place to be than the Holetown Festival. Music is a major part of the festival, and open air, free concerts, as well as marching bands, highlight the event. It's not just Caribbean music you'll hear at the festival, though; gospel, classical, and tuk music are also featured.
In case you've never heard of tuk music, it's a genre unique to Barbados, which usually includes a band consisting of a bass drum player, snare drum player, along with a flute, triangle, and pennywhistle. Tuk music finds its origin in an unusual marriage of colonial British army music, mixed with African drumming. Putting the two together resulted in an Afro-Caribbean slant on traditional British folk music, along with religious songs.
Dance
Along with the music, you'll be treated to unique Barbadian folk dancing. Many of the dance styles originated with African religious ceremonies, such as dances for improving crops and fertility. Some of the dances were banned by the British in the nineteenth century because of their non-Chrisitan roots, but today they are alive and well, and can be seen at the Holetown Festival.
Car Parade and Beauty Pageants
Barbadians enjoy showing off their cars and their lovely ladies, so it's no wonder that both a car parade and a beauty pageant are included within the annual festival. The car parade features a long line of souped-up classic cars, buses, military vehicles, and even tractors.
The beauty pageant, also known as the Queen Show, has been a part of the Holetown Festival since 1982. Miss Holetown Queens often go on to become competitions in larger beauty pageants, including the Miss Barbados competition and the Miss Universe competition.
Festival Stalls
The Holetown Festival wouldn't be complete without plenty of shopping. The stalls feature the work of native Barbadian folk artists, selling goods which range from traditional Barbados clothes, sandals, and hats, to handbags, pottery, wooden carvings, flowers, jewelry, and more. If traditional art forms interest you, budget a little extra money in your holiday, along with room in your suitcase, to pick up some real gems at the Holetown Festival.
Other stalls sell fantastic, mouth-watering Barbadian cuisine. Treat your tastebuds to authentic Caribbean cooking that you won't find elsewhere.
In short, the Holetown Festival is fun for everyone. Since it starts on Valentine's Day, it's the perfect opportunity to treat your sweetheart to a memorable holiday in the Caribbean.
