Make the island of the flying fish your go-to destination for 2025, with a year-long celebration of Bajan culture, heritage and connection…
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Imagine an entire year dedicated to celebration, reconnection and the pure joy of being part of something historic. We Gatherin’ 2025 is Barbados’ most exciting cultural and heritage experience yet – a year-long invitation for Bajans at home and abroad, as well as our Caribbean neighbours, to come together in the spirit of unity, culture and discovery.
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Who is Gatherin’?
Everyone! Whether you have Bajan roots, Caribbean ties or simply love the warmth of Barbadian hospitality, We Gatherin’ is for you. Families, couples, solo travellers, foodies, history buffs and festival lovers, there’s something for all.
What is We Gatherin’?
A 12-month celebration where each parish in Barbados takes centre stage, showcasing its heritage, food, music and unique experiences. Picture street festivals, rum tastings, live music, craft markets, historical explorations and beachside feasts. Every month offers an exciting new reason to visit.
How can you be part of We Gatherin’?
It’s simple – plan your trip! Whether for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Barbados is calling you. Book your flights, pack your bags, and join the movement at www.wegatherinbim.com.
Why you shouldn’t miss it!
We Gatherin’ is more than a festival, it’s a movement. A chance to celebrate our Caribbean connections, rediscover our roots, and create unforgettable memories in the island paradise that is Barbados. So, come, let’s gather.
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When and where are We Gatherin’?
With each parish featured, visitors can choose when and where they want to immerse themselves in distinct local traditions all year long
Adventure:
St Joseph
April in St Joseph calls for adventure among rugged landscapes. Explore Bathsheba’s cliffs and Hackleton’s hidden waterfalls. Whether hiking the Scotland District or surfing at Soup Bowl, embrace the thrills on offer.
Community
St John
In May, St John celebrates community spirit, where neighbours are family. Experience camaraderie at lively gatherings at St John Parish Church and cricket at Gall Hill playing field.
The land
St George
In June explore the rolling hills and lush valleys of St George. From the elevation of the historic Gun Hill Signal Station view the expansive vistas at Drax Hall Estate.
Sugar
St Philip
July in St Philip celebrates its sugar heritage. Explore the storied cane fields and the historic Foursquare Rum Distillery.
The arts
St Andrew
August in St. Andrew showcases a symphony of creativity. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, from local artists’ canvases to captivating performances at St Andrew Parish Church.
Cricket
St James
September in St James buzzes with cricket’s spirit. Join the excitement at Trents Playing Field or Holetown Sports Ground and experience the community’s passion for the game.
The sea
Christ Church
In October, the rhythm of life in Christ Church is set by the ebb and flow of the sea. Experience the ocean’s embrace and dine under the stars at vibrant Oistins Fish Fry.
Food & feting
St Michael
November in St Michael is a feast for the senses, when We Gatherin’ celebrations move to the capital, where Bajan fares and elixirs take centre stage at premium outdoor fetes and party cruises.
Family & friends
Island-wide
As the year ends, Barbados unites in celebration. From Bridgetown’s streets to Bathsheba’s shores, join festive gatherings and savour community spirit. Let fun and laughter warm your heart as we embrace the new year.
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Historical connections
Embark on a journey through heritage and history in Barbados
On the island of Barbados, history speaks, roots run deep and visitors can uncover profound connections to a storied past. With a renewed focus on heritage tourism, Barbados invites Caribbean travellers to explore their shared ancestry and cultural bonds.
As part of the We Gatherin’ celebrations, the island has introduced genealogy workshops and heritage centres, providing an opportunity for visitors to trace their lineage and discover their family histories.
“We are more connected than we are different in the Caribbean,” says Madge Dalrymple, destination manager at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “It is important for our brothers and sisters across the region to come to Barbados and uncover some of the amazing familial and historical connections that we share.”
At the heart of Bridgetown, Golden Square Freedom Park features the Builders’ Wall, honouring those who shaped Barbados’ history. Visitors and locals alike delight in finding their last names among the etched bricks on the wall, a perfect option for a selfie.
In April 2025, the island will unveil the Barbados Heritage District at Newton in the parish of Christ Church, believed to be the site of the largest known communal enslaved burial ground in the Western Hemisphere. This district will feature a memorial, a global research institute and a museum, serving as a space for education, remembrance and reflection.
“The Barbados Heritage District will be a sacred space of memory, learning and healing,” says Chereda Grannum, programme manager of the Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny (ROAD) Programme. “It stands as a testament to our shared humanity, honouring the resilience, stories and legacies of those who came before us. We will continue to apply these lessons of our past, in ways that rebound to the benefit of our current and future generations.”
Whether you are tracing your ancestry, exploring historic sites, or deepening your understanding of the Caribbean’s shared past, Barbados offers a profound and transformative experience. Come walk the paths of history and discover the ties that bind us all.
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Food, glorious food (and rum)
Barbados is the undisputed culinary capital of the Caribbean
My eyes widen at the sight of golden-fried fish cutters drizzled with sweet fiery Bajan pepper sauce and succulent grilled lobster fresh from the Atlantic. The mouth-watering aroma of a roasted breadfruit bowl covered in chopped barbecue pigtails tantilize my senses. I slowly wrap my fingers around a perfectly balanced rum cocktail that lingers on the palate like a sunset over the west coast. This is Barbados, where every bite and every sip tells a story of culture, heritage and world-class culinary and mixology craftsmanship.
Crowned the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, by the World Culinary Awards, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival is a must-experience for every foodie lover. For 2025, the celebration gets even bigger. As part of the We Gatherin’ initiative, the festival extends into a year-long culinary journey, with monthly food and rum pop-ups in different parishes, allowing visitors to savour authentic Bajan flavours island-wide.
“Barbadian cuisine is an adventure for the senses,” says award-winning chef Damian Leach, the owner of Cocktail Kitchen, who is known as the ‘Breadfruit Boss’. “From street food to fine dining, our flavours are bold, our seafood is unmatched and our use of local ingredients sets us apart.”
On any given Friday night you will find locals and tourists dining outdoors in Oistins, a vibrant fishing village on the south coast, known for its bustling Fish Fry open-air events that are popular with everyone.
From street food to the refined elegance of gourmet restaurants, Barbados’ menus offer effortless blends of rustic charm with contemporary sophistication. Indulge in fresh-caught mahi-mahi seasoned to perfection, decadent macaroni pie with a golden crust, or indulge in the celebrated puddin’ and souse with a tongue-teasing side of pickled breadfruit and sweet potato.
The island’s rum scene is equally legendary. At the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, attendees are known to be captivated with masterful elixir creations.
“Rum is more than just a spirit in Barbados. It is an artform, a tradition, a way of life,” explains mixologist Rhea Cox. “Our rum is a canvas for creativity where every pour tells a story of history, craftsmanship, and innovation. Whether neat, stirred or shaken Barbados’ liquid gold carries the soul of the island in every sip.”
While you are sipping on a handcrafted rumpunch infused with tropical flavours or toasting with a finely aged dark rum, it is a palate-pleasing reminder that Barbados offers a world-class experience of cocktails that pair seamlessly with its exceptional cuisine.
For food lovers, 2025 is the perfect time to visit and embark on a culinary pilgrimage across Barbados, one filled with spice, soul and the warm hospitality of Bajan people. Pack your appetite, because every bite is a revelation.
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Find your happy
Let Barbados soothe your mind, body and soul
For centuries, Barbados has been a sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation. Even America’s first president, George Washington, recognised the island’s healing powers when he visited in the mid-1700s with his ailing brother Lawrence. The tropical climate worked wonders, and Washington himself was captivated, describing the landscape as “perfectly ravished” by beauty.
Today, Barbados continues to be a haven for wellness seekers. Whether it’s the crystal-clear waters, the golden beaches or the lush greenery, the island naturally soothes the mind, body and soul. Global superstar Rihanna often returns home to recharge, embracing the peace and serenity that her native Barbados so effortlessly provides.
From beachfront yoga sessions at sunrise to therapeutic spa treatments infused with local botanicals, the island offers endless ways to reconnect with your best self. Taking a moment to listen to your heart, freeing your soul and rejunvenating your mind is your right, and the gift you deserve in Barbados. Indulge in fresh, organic cuisine, take a meditative stroll along the shore, or simply let the rhythmic crash of the waves melt your stress away.
Whether you are a solo-traveller, reconnecting with your partner or needing a family getaway, the island welcomes you with open arms. In Barbados, wellness is a natural way of life. So, come to this Caribbean paradise and find your happy.
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Live, work and invest
Barbados: the ultimate investment destination in the Caribbean
Barbados is more than just an island paradise, it is a thriving hub of investment opportunities. With a stable economy, investor-friendly policies and a government committed to fostering business growth, the island is an attractive choice for regional entrepreneurs looking to expand.
From luxury tourism developments and renewable energy projects to fintech and manufacturing, Barbados offers a diverse range of sectors ripe for investment. The government actively supports foreign investors with a suite of incentives, including duty-free concessions, tax credits, double taxation treaties and streamlined business registration processes.
“Barbados is the hub for sustainable industrial development and growth in the Caribbean,” says Mark Hill, CEO of Export Barbados. “We are building a life economy, where investors benefit from the wise use of capital.”
For those in the tourism industry, the potential is limitless. Shelly Williams, the founder and CEO of Platinum Services, which offers airport travel services, emphasises the opportunities.
“Barbados is redefining luxury and innovation in the Caribbean tourism sector,” she says. “With the government’s visionary Welcome Stamp Programme, we have created a seamless pathway for regional and international professionals to live, work and invest in the island’s thriving economy.”
Williams, who is also the chair of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., added: “Through BTMI we are making it easier than ever for investors to develop bespoke tourism experiences, high-end hospitality ventures and innovative lifestyle products.”
Barbados has a strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a pro-business climate. The demand for personalised world-class services is growing and with strong government support, the island is the ultimate destination in which to build a legacy in luxury tourism.
Plan your visit
• btmiinfo@visitbarbados.org
• www.visitbarbados.org
• +1-246-535-3700
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