The summer period, although approaching late, is approaching and the buzzing feeling of travelling on holiday and working on that beach perfect body. One of the more popular destinations are the Barbados resorts, which always caters for sun, sand, blue sea, blue sky and plenty of activities to keep us all entertained. Apart from the amazing views and impressive nightlife, Barbados is a country rich with culture and spanning with plenty of history.



Barbados resorts are renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, year round sunshine and warm white sandy beaches. Yet Barbados is also full of history that is far different from the world, as we know it. Barbados is a country filled with friendly people and a relaxed environment, however, history will reveal otherwise. Records have shown that this country has experienced many periods of ruling, conflict and colonization from different groups.

History

Evidence will show that the first indigenous settlers were the Arawaks, who lived seemingly peacefully on the island for many years. They were recorded to be particularly good at practising agricultural techniques that included growing corn and cotton. They had designed and created advanced tools of their own to aid them with the agricultural farming and for fishing.

The Arawaks were believed to have been the settlers of Barbados until 1200 AD, when the seemingly violent and aggressive Carib groups had almost wiped out the Arawak settlers. The Spanish and Portuguese had then entered into the country, with the Spanish deciding not to settle in Barbados. The Portuguese colonized the island in the 16th century, with these settlers cam the name of Los Barbados meaning 'bearded one' on account of the fig trees that would grow on the island.

The English would not follow suit in the colonization until 1625, in which they claimed the land as their own in the name of King Kames I. Two years later settlers were brought in to the land, with the worlds third parliamentary democracy formed. 80 settlers and 10 slaves were brought to the island, with many of the settlers being rich and wealthy.

It was not long before the Dutch had introduced the sugar cane, and very quickly, the crop became the main sources of making money. This also included cotton and tobacco crops. The island became the place, which would dominate the sugar industry until around 1720. This was also the period in which slaves from West Africa were introduced to the island to work along on the crops and fields.

The end of slavery came about around 1834 whereby some had decided to continue working on the crops. However, 1838 saw their freedom become imminent, and many of the Bajan (Barbadian) people began taking on high roles and filled high ranking jobs on the island.

The quality of life reduced dramatically on the island during the period of the Great Depression. Jobs were lost and rioting had developed amongst the people in the streets, the sugar industry was thriving up until this point and the English had stepping to fund the island keeping it as it was. However it was evident that the people of Barbados wanted to take control of their island, and so independence was granted in 1966.

Today

Tourism became a lucrative business in the Barbados resorts, with its diverse history and many different cultural influences this has become one of the most popular destinations to visit. The island exhibits a rich British culture, with cricket being its main sport. The people are religious and resemble an Anglican culture, and surrounded by Georgian and Victorian housing.

The African slave had helped in building the foundation for the sugar plantations, with many of the African people having built some of the first chattel houses to move from one plantation to another. Other lasting impressions of the African culture are in their art, crafts, food and music of Barbados.