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Barbados Independence 2011
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Independence Day in Barbados is celebrated annually on 30th November with a national bank holiday and a colourful parade. This Wednesday November 30th, 2011 will be a national bank holiday and as always, to mark Independence Day, Barbados' Parliament buildings and roundabouts will be lit up with the national colours - yellow and blue.
To find out more about this year's Independence Day celebrations please refer to our Totally Barbados events calendar or directly to our schedule of Barbados Independence Week of Activities 2011.
Independence Day Parade
The annual spectacular military parade will take place at The Garrison Savannah, St Michael. This is due to start at 8am and will involve armed and unarmed troops in their impeccably smart uniforms marching before the Acting Governor General, Elliot Belgrave; Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart; Chief Justice, Marston Gibson; members of Cabinet as well as the diplomatic corps. This year the following bodies will be taking part in the parade:
» Barbados Defence Force
» Royal Barbados Police Force
» Barbados Cadet Corps
» Barbados Prison Service
» Barbados Fire Service
» Units from the Government Security Guards
» Barbados Youth Service
» Barbados Legion
» Girl Guides Association
» Barbados Red Cross Society
» Barbados Boys' Scouts Association
» The St. John's Ambulance Brigade
» Barbados Landship
» National Conservation Commission
» Pentecostal Crusaders
» Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders
» Detachment from the British Royal Navy will make an appearance
Many celebrations happen all over Barbados during Independence month and this year many schools, charities and public bodies have been hosting parties, sports days and more. Independence Day celebrates independence from Britain which was granted on November 30th 1966.
Independence Hike
This year there is also a special hike that early birds can join in before the parade. This is organised by The Barbados National Trust and starts at 6am in Holetown opposite the police station.
To join in the hike contact the Barbados National Trust:
Phone: (246) 436 9033/ 426 2421
Email: natrust@sunbeach.net
The National Independent Festival of Creative Arts NIFCA
The National Cultural Foundation organise a national arts competition every year over Independence Day. This year's competitions have come to a close and there will be an awards ceremony on Sunday 4th of December at which the winners will be announced; however, this is an invite only event.
Over 1,000 people entered the competition and there were six disciplines: Music, Dance, Drama Speech, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts (which includes photography), and Literary Arts.
There are various stages to the competition including semi finals, finals and gala performances. Entrants can be any age including primary school students, secondary school students, university students and professional adults.
The prizes include 'The Prime Minister's Scholarship Award', which gives the winner BB$35,000 to spend on their further education. There are also certificate awards and motivational awards.
To find out more about this year's Independence Day celebrations please refer to our Totally Barbados events calendar or directly to our schedule of Barbados Independence Week of Activities 2011.
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