Our island abounds with opportunities ranging from the sublime to the exhilarating and our Concierge Can team is here to help our guests choose those activities that will make their stay with us unforgettable. Easter time is no exception as it is one of the busiest months of the year on the island. As soon as spring comes full bloom, Barbadians of all ages and walks of life eagerly look forward to this time of year. For us, it is the biggest religious holiday after Christmas, but for you, it is the perfect time to experience our local Easter traditions and all the wonderful events which take place at this time of year.
The Concierge Can team has created the following list of some of their favorite upcoming activities around this time of year to help you get your holiday plans started.
Let’s start with some notes on – EASTER WEEKEND itself
April 15th – 17th : Oistins Fish Festival
The biggest event on the island during the Easter weekend is the Oistins Fish Festival. Hosted in the heart of the island’s most celebrated fishing village, the festival pays homage to the island’s fisher folk and their seafaring lifestyle, and features several events that attract the attention of locals and visitors of all ages. Besides its energetic mood, busy streets, grooving music and sumptuous treats, the festival’s main attractions are the fish-boning competition, the boat races and of course the ever-popular climbing of the greasy pole. It is the perfect outing for the whole family!
Location: Oistins
Admission: Free
Kite Flying & Hot Cross Buns
Each Easter, hundreds of kites take to the skies over Barbados, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle. If you are lucky, you will have the unique chance to witness the amazing hoisting of a 25-foot plus kite – a growing tradition during the season and a tall job for at least eight men! Bakeries also abound with a local favorite at this time of year – Hot Cross buns.
Religious Services
On Easter Sunday, for those who acknowledge the holiday in its religious sense, you are more than welcome to join any Easter mass at the hundreds of churches across the island.
What happens on the Bank Holidays?
A friendly reminder that grocery stores and some businesses are very busy and have limited hours at this time of year. Kindly note that all banks, grocery stores and most businesses are closed on April 14th and 17th as the island celebrates the religious holidays. Concierge Can would be happy to arrange to take care of pre-stocking your villa with groceries for your arrival and to help you plan your itinerary in advance so you can simply relax and enjoy while you are here!
Events & Shows
South Coast:
LIVE MUSIC every Sunday at Copacabana
Hours: 5pm – 8/8:30pm
Location: Copacabana, Bay Street, Bridgetown
Admission: Free!
https://www.facebook.com/copacabanabb/
Blakey’s Bar & Restaurant: LIVE MUSIC Thursday – Sunday, times vary
Admission: Free
Location: On the Boardwalk, Hasting, Ch. Ch.
*All entertainment is weather permitting
If Dining, Reservations are Recommended. Please call 228-5284
https://www.facebook.com/blakeysontheboardwalk/
West Coast: LIVE MUSIC every Sunday at Mullins Beach Bar & Grill
Hours: 4-ish, Bajan Time!
Location: Mullins Beach Bar & Grill, Mullins, St. Peter
Admission: Free!
April 1st: Barbados Chocolate & Culinary Festival
Time: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St Michael
Admission (Advance Purchase): $20 BDS per adult/$10 per child/Free for kids under 4
Admission (At Door): $25 BDS per adult/$10 per child/Free for kids under 4
http://www.BarbadosChocolateFestival.com or http://www.facebook.com/barbadoschocolatefestival
April 8th – Rotary Charity Benefit “Music Thru the Years” featuring SPICE & COMPANY
Biggie Irie, Grynner, The Red Boyz, Peter Ram and others
Time: 8pm
Location: Barbados, Concord Experience (near the airport)
Tickets $225 BDS. Inclusive of Food & Drinks, $150 BDS With seating, $100 BDS. No seating
All Proceeds go to “The School House for Special Needs”
Contact Concierge for Tickets
April 15th – 17th : Oistins Fish Festival
See more on the biggest event on the island during the Easter weekend in the EASTER WEEKEND information above.
Location: Oistins
Admission: Free
April 23rd, 28th, 30th & May 1st – Barbados 13th Annual Reggae Festival
Barbados pays tribute to one of the most celebrated genres of music enjoyed by locals – reggae!
Sun. 23rd: Reggae on The Beach at Pirates Cove, Lower Bay Street
Fri. 28th: Vintage Reggae Night
Sat. 29th: Reggae Cruise on the Jolly Roger
Sun. 30th: Reggae on the Hill, Farley Hill National Park- featuring the best of local and regional reggae artistes at various venues across the island.
Admission: Prices vary for each event
Tickets: Box offices (listed on site)
https://www.thebarbadosreggaefestival.com/
May 26th – 29th – The Celtic Festival Barbados
Celebrates the links between our wonderful balmy Caribbean island and the Celtic countries. It is a musical extravaganza with a fusion of flavours from visiting chefs and highland.
Fri. 26th May – 5pm – 7pm PIPERS ON THE BOARDWALK with 100 Pipers from Pipefest.com
Admission: Free
Sat. 27th May – Fiddlers Rally
Fiddlers from the Scottish Group Riddell Fiddles, will play along with pupils form the Suzuki Violin School of Barbados at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, St. James, accompanied by some of our Scottish fiddlers – visitors welcome to join in. With dancing from the Scottish Dance class in Barbados. #BringYourFiddle
Admission: Free
Sun. 28th May – Buffet Lunch at Atlantis Hotel
Enjoy Scottish folk music and an exquisite spread from local Chef and our Head Chef for the Barbados Celtic Festival, Scottish Celebrity Chef Paul Wedgwood– working together to theme some of the dishes Bajan/Scottish at lunch.
12 noon – 3.30pm
Atlantis Hotel Tent Bay, St Joseph, (east coast) – http://www.atlantishotelbarbados.com
Reservations essential. $100 BDS per person. Payable on the day. Call to book on 001-246-433-9445
https://www.facebook.com/celticfestivalbarbados/
07,14,21,28 April, 05,12,19,26 May 2017- Historic Garrison Night Tour
This tour is a bit of a thriller and focuses on the macabre side of life in the Garrison.
- Murders, executions, crimes and punishments!
- The tour will also explain:
- The Garrison Tunnels by night!
- Details of the construction of the unfinished Garrison Fortress.
- How ‘Graves End Beach’ got its name.
- You will also experience several short dramas en route including:
- The story of a West India Regiment soldier executed by firing squad at the Military Cemetery.
- The unsolved John Hislop murder of 1809.
Be sure to wear comfortable, reliable shoes for the tour and bring a Torch / Flashlight.
For further details, email info@barbadosgarrison.org. Or call 233-1648 or 233-2601
Start time: 6:45 – 9:00 PM
Admission: BDS $30.00 aDULTS; $20.00 Children 5-12 yrs.
Venue: George Washington House, The Garrison, St. Michael
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Sport – Horse Racing, Polo, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing
Horse Racing
Race Days as Follows:
April 1st, April 17th (Easter Guineas), April 28th, May 13th, May 27th
Location: The Garrison Savannah, Bridgetown, St. Michael
Link: http://www.barbadosturfclub.org/racecalender/
Polo – Barbados Polo Club
Polo in Barbados is a wonderful afternoon out. The game itself is exhilarating to follow but you don’t have to be an avid polo fan to enjoy the social aspects of its following! Locals and visitors alike mingle as children of all ages enjoy meeting one another.
April 1st – All England Polo Club, Hickstead Tour – Location: Apes Hill
April 4th – All England Polo Club, Hickstead Tour – Location: Holders
April 6th – All England Polo Club, Hickstead Tour – Location: Apes Hill
April 8th – All England Polo Club, Hickstead Tour – Location: Apes Hill
April 11th – All England Polo Club, Fern Park Tour – Location: Apes Hill
April 12th –South Africa – Holders
April 13th – All England Polo Club, Fern Park Tour – Location: Apes Hill
April 15th –South Africa – Holders
April 29th – Club Matches – Holders
April 30th – Club Matches – Holders
May 3rd – Jamaica – Holders
May 5th – Jamaica – Apes Hill
May 7th – Jamaica – Holders
May 13th – Presidents/Kearns Trophy – Holders
Timing FROM 03:00 PM
Location St. James
Price Range BDS $20 – Children under 12 Free
Website http://www.apeshillpolo.com/ OR https://www.facebook.com/BarbadosPoloClub/
Cricket
07,08,09,10 April 2017 Professional Cricket League Regional 4-day Tournament – Barbados vs Trinidad and Tobago
This is a regional 4-day tournament based on franchises. The six teams competing are Barbados; Windwards; Trinidad and Tobago; Guyana; Leewards; Jamaica
Start time: 3:00 PM
Admission: To be Confirmed
Venue: Kensington Oval, President Kennedy Drive, Fontabelle, St. Michael
30th April – 5th May Pakistan Tour Of West Indies – 2nd Test
West Indies Vs Pakistan
Start time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: To be Confirmed
Venue: Kensington Oval, President Kennedy Drive, Fontabelle, St. Michael
Surfing
1,12,13,14,15,16 April 2017 World Surf League – Barbados Surf Pro QS3,000
Barbados’ beautiful coastline will host its first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) event. The inaugural Barbados Surf Pro Men and Women’s QS3,000 at Drill Hall Beach, located on the south coast of Barbados near to the southern side of the Hilton Hotel. This men’s and women’s qualifying event will showcase the island’s surfers against some of the world’s best.
Admission: Free
Venue: Drill Hall Beach, The Garrison, St. Michael
Golf
April 27th – 30th
Sir Garry Golf Championships
Location: Barbados Golf Club
Website: http://barbadosgolfclub.com/
Motorsports
May 28th – King of the Hill, Sol Rally Barbados
The Caribbean’s biggest annual motor sport international event, with fierce competition between drivers from the Caribbean and UK. As the Barbados Rally Club marks its 60th Anniversary, Sol RB17 will run from Friday to Sunday, June 2-4, and Flow King of the Hill, on which the seeding for the main event is based, the previous Sunday (May 28). Since entries opened, nearly 80 have been posted, two-thirds from overseas.
https://www.facebook.com/SolRallyBarbados/
Sailing
April 22nd & 23rd – J24 Open Championship
J24 racing has helped rejuvenate the spirit of racing boats again in Barbados. These sail boats are 24′ long and need only a 4′ draft or depth of water which allows them to come right inshore, bringing the fans and spectators closer to the racing than ever before.
Good vantage points to enjoy the view: Copacabana, Blakey’s, The Barbados Yacht Club (membership)
May 28th – 31st – OK Dingy World Championships
Racing Area: The course will be in Carlisle Bay, with the staring a short 15 minute sail away.
Good vantage points to enjoy the view: Copacabana, The Barbados Yacht Club (membership)
Hiking
Hike Barbados takes you through cane fields, gullies, tropical forests and coastal communities to explore the unique geological and social structure of Barbados. Along the way you will meet new friends, enjoy healthy exercise and observe the delicate balance of the unique heritage and environment of Barbados.
The hikes are FREE but donations are welcome towards the work of the Barbados National Trust (preserving our built and natural environment).
All morning hikes start at 6:00 a.m.
Afternoon hikes (medium only) start at 3:30 p.m.
The Moonlight Walks start at 5:30 p.m., you are advised to bring a torch to these walks.
There are 4 morning groups of different difficulty:
Stop and Stare… Extra Slow…. does between 5 to 6 miles in the 3 hours
Medium…. does 6 to 8 miles in the 3 hours
Fast Medium… does 9 to 10 miles in the 3 hours
Grin and Bear…. Fast….. does approx. 12 miles in the 3 hours
There is only ONE evening group…… the Stop and Stare crew
APRIL
06 St. Thomas Post Office
13 ML-B’dos National Trust HQ Wildey House – St. Michael
20 Pool Plantation – St. John
27 Applewhaites Plantation – St. Thomas
28 Special BH Hike-Fun Day-Haggatts Old Sugar Factory Yard – St. Andrew
MAY
01 Special BH Hike-Hill Challenge-Haggatts Old Sugar Factory Yard – St. Andrew
04 Haggatts Old Sugar Factory Yard – St. Andrew
11 ML-Skeetes Bay – St. Philip
14 Special ML Hike-Lester Vaughan School – St. Thomas
18 Rock Hall Plantation By Old Mill Wall – St. Peter
25 Codrington College – St. John
http://www.barbados.org/hike2.htm
Hash House Harriers
The Barbados Hash is opened to ALL: Runners, walkers, the young, the old … ALL are welcome to join us!
There is no need to phone or email or pre-register, just show up at the posted location.
There are a few things to note when joining the hash:
- Parents are responsible for their own offspring.
- Participation is undertaken entirely at your own risk.
- Photos are taken during the event, and displayed on this web site.
- There is a $1 BDS per person fee for participating in the hash.
The Next Run details are posted on the front page of the Barbados Hash site.
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May 14th – Don’t forget MOTHER’S DAY
We celebrate Mother’s Day with our North American neighbours so if you are visiting from the UK perhaps you can celebrate with us as well. Concierge Can make that special reservation or take care of a surprise gift basket/bouquet if you’re travelling with your mother! This is one of the most celebrated days of the year for locals who enjoy celebrating with their Mother’s and Grandmothers so we recommend making advance restaurant bookings as restaurants tend to be very busy.
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Market Days
Brighton Farmer’s Market: Set in the picturesque grounds of Brighton Plantation, it is a farm gate produce market, coupled with sales of prepared food, clothing & local craft.
Location: Brighton Plantation, St. George
Dates: Every Saturday
Time: 6:15am – 10:00am
Admission: FREE
https://www.facebook.com/brightonfarmersmarket/
Hastings Farmers Market: An arts & food market packed with local vendors. Homemade, home grown & home created! Bring the children and let them have fun in Arty’s Play Park.
Location: Art Splash Centre, Hastings, Ch Ch
Dates: Every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Time: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Admission: FREE
http://hastingsfarmersmarket.com/
Holders Organic Farmer’s Market: This market specializes in organic, locally grown produce, food & beverages, art & craft, health care products & ore. All of them made in Barbados.
Live entertainment each week.
Location: Holders House, Holders Hill, St. James
Dates: Every Sunday
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Admission: FREE
https://www.facebook.com/Holders-House-Farmers-Market-274513739244229/
Graeme Hall Farmers & Craft Market: Shake The Hand That Grows Your Food!
Support your Farmers, strengthen the local economy & build the community
The Graeme Hall Farmers Market and Craft Fair – every Saturday
Location: Ministry of Agriculture Parking Lot, Graeme Hall Rd, Christ Church
Dates: Every Saturday
Time: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Admission: FREE
https://www.cpribarbados.com/farm-market
