National Heroes Day in Barbados
National Heroes’ Day is a holiday observed annually in Barbados on April 28th, but only if the holiday does not fall on a Sunday. If it does fall on a Sunday, then the holiday is moved to the following Monday so citizens of the country can have the day off.
Barbados (Public holiday)This holiday commemorates the contributions of the 10 national heroes who are recognized for their outstanding service to Barbados and/or their contributions to the improvement of the country’s social and economic conditions. It was first celebrated toward the end of the 1990s and has been celebrated every year since.
The History of National Heroes’ Day in Barbados
This holiday was created by the Order of National Heroes Act that was passed by the Barbados Parliament in 1998. The people who are celebrated through this act include Bussa, Sarah Ann Gill, Charles Duncan O’Neal, Samuel Jackman Prescod, Sir Grantley Herbert Adams, Clement Osbourne Payne, Sir Hugh Worrell Springer, Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, Errol Walton Barrow, and Sir Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers. These ten individuals are known collectively as the 10 National Heroes of Barbados.
Some Fascinating Facts About Barbados
Below is an assortment of fascinating facts that we’ve learned about Barbados. We think that the following tidbits of information will prove entertaining and educational to just about everyone reading this article.
- In 1627, the British established a colony in Barbados.
- The original British colony cultivated cotton and tobacco, but that switched to sugar in the 1640s.
- Barbados has had a functioning Parliament since 1639.
- St. James Parish Church is the oldest church in Barbados.
- Barbados is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
Observing National Heroes’ Day
Although tourist attractions in Barbados remain open on this holiday, other public and commercial businesses are either closed or operate on a reduced holiday schedule. This holiday is also observed through political speeches and other special events all across Barbados.
Barbados (Public holiday)
