Nestled along the east coast of Barbados, the parish of St. Joseph is as rich in cultural tradition as it is in natural beauty. From its rolling hills to the iconic Bathsheba coastline, St. Joseph has long been a source of inspiration for storytellers, spiritual seekers, and adventurers alike. But beyond its postcard-perfect views lies a community deeply rooted in folklore and heritage, where oral traditions and local sayings still echo through the hills.
A common saying in St. Joseph is “Don’t let de Steel Donkey catch you,” often used playfully to warn children who stray too far after dark. The Steel Donkey, a mythical creature believed to be made of metal and powered by supernatural force, is said to roam the countryside at night, dragging chains and terrifying wanderers. This legend, like many others in the parish, serves both as entertainment and as a cautionary tale passed down through generations.
Another iconic figure in St. Joseph folklore is the Heart Man—a shadowy character believed to prey on the hearts of children who misbehave. While largely regarded today as myth, these stories were instrumental in shaping behavioural norms and instilling respect and fear of the unknown. During the recent UWI Standpipe Stories session held at the St. Joseph Primary School, residents passionately recalled childhood encounters and shared spine-tingling accounts of these legendary figures, sparking both laughter and nostalgia.
But the cultural heartbeat of St. Joseph is not only found in its tales of the supernatural. It also lives in the parish’s vibrant community events.
From the adventurous to the eerie, St. Joseph invites you to explore a Barbados that is as much about spirit as it is about sand and sea. Here, the folklore lives on—not only in tales, but in the people who tell them.
