Did You Know

Interesting Facts about Barbados

Trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits about Barbados.

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Did You Know?

15 curious facts about Barbados.

Barbados was given its name by a group of Portuguese sailors who landed on the island on their way to Brazil in 1536. Here they found huge banyan trees with roots hanging like beards from the branches. They called the island “Los Barbados” meaning “ the bearded ones.”
Barbados was the first island in the West Indies to have piped drinking water. It has many underground wells and caves that provide a plentiful supply of pure drinking water filtered through the porous coral of the land.
For the past 358 years, the Barbados parliament has functioned without interruption. This makes it the third oldest parliament in the world.
Parents warn their children to be careful with the saying, “ The sea ain't got no back door.” This means, “ Don't go out too far into the sea, you may not be able to get back.”

In the 17th century, people who were deemed to be enemies of the British crown were sent to Barbados as indentured servants. This practice was so widespread that punishment was sometimes described as “ being Barbadoed.”
In the 17th century, people who were deemed to be enemies of the British crown were sent to Barbados as indentured servants. This practice was so widespread that punishment was sometimes described as “ being Barbadoed.”
Sir Garfield Sobers of Barbados is known as the world's greatest all-round cricketer. In 1975, Queen Elizabeth knighted him for his services to the sport.
Visitors have been coming to the island since the 18th century to recuperate from illnesses in its healthy environment. Two well-known health resorts are in Bathsheba and Cattlewash, on the east side of the island.
In 1847, the parliament of Barbados passed an act to establish a public library. This was a milestone for learning in Barbados. A similar act was passed three years later in Great Britain.
The rich fruitcake or pudding served at Christmastime or at weddings is laced with several kinds of rum. Fruits may be soaked in the rum for several months before baking. These cakes have a very long shelf life, because the alcohol acts as a preservative.