Barbados usually has a dozen public holidays each year. This year there was an extra one on January 18th, to mark a change of government following general elections three days earlier.
Certain of Barbados' national holidays are marked with more ceremony and celebration than the others. On Emancipation Day, for instance, Barbadians march through the streets towards the statue of Bussa on the ABC Highway.
Bussa is known as the Freedom Fighter who in 1816 lead what is now called the Bussa Rebellion. This was a revolt aimed at overthrowing the planters in order to gain freedom for the slaves of Barbados.
Kadooment Day closely follows Emancipation Day. This day is part of the Crop Over festival where Barbadians celebrate the end of the sugar cane harvest. Revellers dress up in colourful and vibrant costumes, masquerading and dancing through the streets to calypso music. Locals and visitors alike join in this celebration.
Independence Day is another public holiday which Barbadians celebrate with pride.
November 30th 1966 marked the island's break from England. It is important to note that independence was peacefully negotiated. This November, 2008, Barbados will celebrate 42 years of independence!
There are many events throughout the month of November. You will notice that many of the roundabouts on the highway are decorated in independence colours and lights!
Barbados National Holidays 2008
» New Year's Day - January 1st
» Errol Barrow Day - January 21st
» Good Friday - March 21st
» Easter Monday - March 28th
» Heroes Day - April 28th
» Labour Day - May 1st
» Whit Monday - May 12th
» Emancipation Day - August 1st
» Kadooment Day - August 4th
» Independence Day - November 30th
» Christmas Day - December 25th
» Boxing Day - December 26th
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