The A-Z of Barbados

Blend into Barbadian Culture with this list of all important information on the in’s and out’s of Barbados. From cuisine and landmarks to fun family activities and Bajan words, our A to Z list is a must-read before your trip to Barbados.

 

A – Ackee:

A small round green fruit often sold by vendors along the highway when in season.

 

B – Bathsheba:

Located on the East coast of Barbados this rugged coastline provides a home to many rum shops and hidden hotels. While Bathsheba’s brown sand beach has a rough sea, ideal for surfing, there are many rock pools perfect for swimming!

 

 C – Conkie:

Conkies are a Bajan delicacy! These sweet corn-based treats are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. They usually served in the month of November for Independence celebrations.

 

D – Dominoes:

In Barbados ‘Dominoes’ has been a game favoured by all for many generations! Watch or play a game at a local rum shop, it’s always interesting when players start ‘slamming’ in the heat of the moment!

 

E – Evahsince :

A common Bajan word for a ‘long time ago’.

 

F – Fish Cake:

Fish cakes are a popular dish in Barbados made with salted fish. They can be eaten alone or in a Bajan salt bread, for what is known as a “bread and two”. Our favourite place to get fish cakes is “Hot and Legendary Fish Cakes” in Oistins.

 

G – Gun Hill:

A popular landmark in Barbados is Gun Hill Signal Station. This station is at the top of Gun Hill with a view of the East, South and West coasts of Barbados. The original purpose of the signal station was to view incoming ships and report to the other stations across the island. Don’t forget to check out the limestone lion on the hill.

 

H – Hawksbill:

Hawksbill sea turtles are a critically endangered species of sea turtle making them an extra special sighting in Barbados. They nest on the Craggy Nook beach and we have names our beach floor villa Hawksbill after them. The season for nesting is June 1st to October 31^st. Please be sure to call The Barbados Sea Turtle Project if you see a nesting turtle or hatchlings.

 

I – Ilaro Court:

This is the name of the official residence of the Prime Minister located in Two Mile Hill.

 

J – Juking Board:

A thick slab of heavy, hard wood with one jagged side. This was traditionally used to wash clothes and “juk” out the dirt.

 

K – Kadooment:

The final event of the Crop Over Festival, held on the first Monday in August each year. Costumed bands parade and dance along the streets in an event similar to Carnival.

 

L – Limestone:

Limestone is an important feature of Barbados as approximately 85% of the island is made up of it! That means no limestone, no Barbados…we told you it was important. A good way to see the limestone of Barbados is by visiting Harrison’s Cave for a tour of the underground limestone caves.

 

 

M – Macaroni Pie:

Despite it not being the National dish of Barbados Macaroni pie, or as it is affectionately termed ‘pie’, is one of the most popular foods in Barbados! This baked cheesy dish is a take on macaroni and cheese and is readily available in almost all food places.

 

N – Nuff:

A common Bajan word for ‘a lot of’ for example “I want a drink with ‘nuff’ ice cause it’s too hot today.”

 

O – Oistins:

Looking for a fun family activity to do on a Friday night? Oistins Fish fry is a popular event in which fresh fish and other Bajan delicacies are prepared for dinner in a local fish market.

 

P – Pepper Sauce:

Made from hot peppers and other flavourful spices, Bajan Hot Sauce is regularly used in food preparation and consumption. While recipes vary from family to family, ask any Barbadian and they will tell you pepper sauce is a MUST!

 

Q – Queen:

From Queen’s College and Queen’s Park to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Queen still has a strong presence in the now independent Barbados.

 

R – Rum Punch:

Rum has been produced in Barbados for over 350 years, making it a favourite among locals. One of the most popular ways to drink it is in a ‘Rum Punch’ a popular Bajan cocktail. But be careful it might be stronger than you think. Craggy Nook guests receive a complimentary bottle of rum punch upon arrival.

 

S – Standpipe:

The name is short for standard pipe, where most Barbadians used to fetch their water. Over 400 standpipes distributed free water to the island from as early as 1861.

 

 

T – Tuk Band:

This traditional musical ensemble dance as they play tuk music using a triangle, a piccolo, a snare drum and a double-ended bass drum. The dancers are dressed in character often as the Shaggy Bear, Mother Sally or the Stilt man.

 

U – UWI:

The University of the West Indies has campuses across the Caribbean. The Barbados campus is located in Cave Hill and has many local, regional and international students.

 

V – Veranda:

An open-aired porch with a roof. In Barbados, the veranda is usually painted a different colour from the rest of the house.

 

W – Warri:

A game brought over from Africa during the days of slavery. Played using rocks or large seeds and a plank of wood with hollowed holes to hold the rocks.

 

X – X Plate:

Did you know that the first letter on the license plates in Barbados stands for something? X is the letter for cars registered in the parish of Christ Church.

 

Y – Yam Pie:

A popular dish served at Sunday lunch. Prepared like mashed potatoes but then baked, often with cherries on top.

 

Z – ZR:

A privately owned route taxi named after the first 2 letters on their license plates “ZR”