For almost three centuries, Barbados was Britain's most lucrative colony in the Caribbean. In the 17th and 18th centuries, hundreds of estates produced highly prized cane sugar. The island, completely covered with dense rainforest before colonization, was transformed into a huge sugar plantation. Slave labor allowed for profits that today can only be compared to the illegal drug trade. Barbados was a British colony until it gained its independence in 1966. In 2021, Barbados became a republic.
Bajan is a keyword that can be found everywhere in Barbados. Bajan simply means truly local, unique to Barbados. Barbadians call themselves Bajans and speak Bajan Creole, a local dialect of English with African and British influences. The local cuisine is Bajan, the culture is Bajan, even the local bottled water is Bajan. Bajans celebrate their Bajan cultural heritage during many Bajan festivals through Bajan dance and Bajan music.
