World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
There are a great many restaurants offering both international and traditional Bajan cuisine at a variety of prices. Local specialities include flying fish, lobster and crane chubb. The sea urchin (oursin or sea egg) is a particular speciality. Other local foods include sweet potatoes, plantains, breadfruit, yams and such fruits as avocados, pears, soursops, pawpaws, bananas, figs and coconuts. An exchange ‘Dine Around’ system is operated between some hotels of the same class and guests can eat at other hotels for no extra cost.
Local drink specialities include all types of rum-based cocktails, rum punch, planters punch, pina coladas and sangria. The local beer is Banks. The two most famous rums are Cockspur’s Five Star and, for the connoisseur, Mount Gay (the oldest rum blend on the island). There are numerous bars which emulate the British pub and serve genuine British bitter and stout.

Nightlife
Nightclubs, discos and bars provide entertainment including limbo dancing, fire-eaters, steel bands and dance bands. There is a small cover charge. As in all Caribbean countries, swinging nightspots tend to come and go with seasons. Coastal boat trips with live entertainment are very popular; most sail twice daily and run buffets, bars and live music.

Shopping
Shopping is a delight and there is a wide range of goods with visitors being able to take some purchases home duty free on production of their passport and air ticket. Liquor and cigarettes are sent to the airport or port for collection on departure. Other items can be taken away at point of purchase. Prices tend to be on the high side, though for such things as jewellery, clothing and ceramics, the high quality often makes the expense worthwhile. Special purchases include rum, straw goods, coral and shell jewellery, prints (batik) and woodcraft. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0830-1600 (supermarkets are open longer on Saturdays).

Special Events
All details are available in The Visitor, published weekly, and The Sunseeker, published fortnightly, available in most hotels. The following is a selection of special events occurring in Barbados in 2005; for a complete list and exact dates, contact the Barbados Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section):
Jan 10-16 Barbados Jazz Festival. Feb Barbados International Polo Challenge 2005. Feb 13-20 Holetown Festival. Mar Barbados Sandy Lane Gold Cup. Mar 24-27 Congaline Festival. Mar 26-28 Oistins Fish Festival. May 27-Jun 3 International Folk Festival. May 28-29 Barbados Rally Carnival. Nov 20 National Fun-Walk. Dec 2-4 Run Barbados Festival.

Social Conventions
Social attitudes, like administration and architecture, tend to echo the British provincial market town. However, the optimistic attitude, laid-back manner and wonderful sense of humour of the Bajans is well appreciated by many tourists. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Dressing for dinner in hotels and restaurants is suggested. Smoking is generally unrestricted. Tipping: In restaurants or nightclubs, tips are usually 10 to 15 per cent. Porters’ tips are at the customer’s discretion.