Christ Church Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Christ Church, Barbados)

There's nothing better than visiting Christ Church only to find out that you've arrived just in time for an important festival. With careful planning, you can time your next trip to Christ Church according to this list of events and festivals - a great way to ensure you don't run out of things to do while on holiday.

One of the biggest and best celebrations on all of Barbados is right here in Christ Church Parish. The Oistins Fish Festival in March is a lively event that draws visitors from all over the Caribbean. Another big festivity, the Crop Over each July, is an island-wide event with a few activities planned each year in this parish.

Christ Church Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Barbados Jazz Festival - the most important music festival of the year is held in venues all over Barbados, including within the parish of Christ Church
• Errol Barrow Day - January 21st, a national holiday created to pay tribute to former Prime Minister of Barbados

February

• Holetown Festival - this event celebrates the arrival of the first settlers on Barbados in 1627. Holetown is relatively close by and easy to reach

March

• Oistins Fish Festival - probably the biggest festival of the year, taking place right in this parish, within the Oistins fishing village

April

• Congaline Street Festival - in late April, this festival takes place in Congaline Village and showcases local art and culture
• National Heroes' Day - April 28th, celebrating the lives of famous Barbadian individuals, such as Grantley Adams and Samuel Jackman Prescod

May

• Labour Day - first Monday in May, a celebration of the island's achievements
• Gospelfest - for Christian Music lovers, there is no better time to come to Barbados that during Gospelfest, since gospel concerts are staged all across the island

June

• International Masters Football Festival - early June, this football tournament is geared towards the over-40s' crowd and attracts amateur teams from North America and Europe

July

• Crop Over Festival - another major island event, the Crop Over is a celebration of all things Barbadian and lasts from late June to early August

August

• Emancipation Day - August 1st, marking the abolition of slavery on Barbados with parades and parties staged across the island
• Kadooment Day - first Monday in August, featuring carnival processions and live music

September

• Moonlight Hike - early September, organised by the Barbadian National Trust, this midnight walk is staged at the Andrews Sugar Factory

October

• Sun, Sea and Slams Festival - not well-known outside avid bridge circles, this is the one of the most important bridge tournaments in the world

November

• Barbados Reef Bowl - the best time to watch professional surfing, as this draws major players from around the world
• Food, Wine and Rum Festival - just as advertised, a four-day event with plenty of local food and local rum
• Independence Day - November 30th, remembering when Barbados achieved its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966

December

• Christmas - December 25th, a beautiful time in Barbados, with Midnight Mass being held at the Christ Church Parish Church
• Run Barbados - the island's biggest foot race of the year, taking place in the cool season and catering to a range of skill levels