By Belle Holder
The Barbados 11, our parishes. These land segments and boundaries that define our home addresses also shape our heritage, linking us to the land and the places from which we hail. Each parish is more than just a location on a map; it is a source of identity, history, and pride. It is our place, our section of 166 square miles, a part of a whole that we hold dear. As Irving Burgie so beautifully captured in our national anthem, “These fields and hills beyond recall are now our very own.”
Each parish has its distinct character, its own story to tell, and its own people who proudly claim it as home. With We Gatherin’ 2025, we celebrate these stories, one parish at a time. The journey began in January in the northernmost part of the island, with St. Lucy, the only parish named after a lady, a fitting start to a year-long celebration of Barbadian heritage. February, the month of love, took us to St. Peter, where history and modern vibrancy coexist. March led us to the rolling hills of St. Thomas, a landlocked parish rich in natural beauty. Now, in April, we arrive in St. Joseph, a place of wild landscapes and untamed shores, where the Atlantic waves crash against rugged cliffs, and the spirit of Barbados feels raw and unfiltered.
To stand on the northern cliffs of St. Lucy, gazing out at the Atlantic, is to feel the strength of this land. St. Lucy is untamed, dramatic, and breathtaking, a place where the waves have carved deep stories into limestone and where the land seems to rise up defiantly against the sea. The Animal Flower Cave, one of the island’s natural treasures, lies at its northern edge, a cavern of mystery and beauty where pools of seawater reflect the sky. Nearby, River Bay offers a gentler side of St. Lucy, a place where families gather for picnics, where the wind whips through the trees, and where the vastness of the ocean feels both humbling and inviting.
Life in St. Lucy moves at its own pace. In Moon Town, fishermen haul in the catch of the day while locals sip on a cold Banks beer, swapping stories in the salty breeze. The food here is as authentic as it gets, crispy fried fish at Bay Tavern, plates of steaming cou-cou, and fresh seafood at The Fish Pot, a charming restaurant tucked inside an old fort. There is something undeniably special about St. Lucy; it is a place of resilience, of strength, of a people deeply connected to the sea.
From the high cliffs of the north, We Gatherin’ journeyed south to St. Peter in February, a parish where the past and present blend seamlessly. Speightstown, one of the oldest towns in Barbados, wears its history proudly. The old merchant buildings stand as reminders of a time when this was a bustling trade hub, while the streets hum with the sounds of market vendors, artists, and everyday life. At Arlington House Museum, the island’s past comes to life through interactive exhibits, while just beyond the town, St. Nicholas Abbey, with its grand architecture and rum distillery, tells another chapter of Barbados’ history.
Yet, St. Peter is not just about looking back, it is alive with culture and community. Locals and visitors alike gather at Fisherman’s Pub, where the food is hearty, the music is lively, and the sea is just steps away. On the shoreline, Six Men’s Bay is a glimpse into the island’s fishing traditions, a place where wooden boats bob in the water, and fishermen expertly prepare their lines. And when the sun sets, Little Bristol Beach Bar is the perfect spot to take in the golden hues of the evening, with a cocktail in hand and the sound of live music filling the air. You can also step into the trendy Local & Co. for delightful elixirs and a farm to table menu.
As the dry season stretched into March, We Gatherin’ turned inland, away from the sea to the heart of Barbados, St. Thomas. Here, rolling hills replace the waves, and underground caves whisper secrets of the island’s geological past. Harrison’s Cave, a stunning limestone cavern, is one of Barbados’ most famous attractions, a subterranean world of stalactites, crystal-clear pools, and towering chambers. Above ground, Welchman Hall Gully offers a different kind of wonder, a lush forest reserve where green monkeys play in the trees and ancient plants thrive in the cool shade.
St. Thomas is a place of craftsmanship and tradition, where artistry and culture are woven into daily life. At Earthworks Pottery, artisans mold clay into stunning ceramics, each piece telling a story of Barbadian creativity. Food here is simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying, whether it’s the legendary pudding and souse at The Village Bar or the fresh, flavourful Caribbean cuisine at Naniki, where the view stretches endlessly over the countryside and onto the east coast.
Now, in April, we celebrate St. Joseph, the smallest and greenest parish, that is in many ways, the wild soul of Barbados. There is an untamed beauty here, a rawness that speaks to those who crave the wilder side of the island. Bathsheba, with its towering rock formations and world-renowned Soup Bowl, is a mecca for surfers, a place where the waves roll in with the force of the Atlantic behind them. The village itself is quiet and unassuming, where wooden chattel houses perch on hillsides and picnic goers sit gazing out at the mushroom rock formations or grabbing a bite at the laidback Zemi Café.
But St. Joseph is more than just the coastline. Inland, Andromeda Botanic Gardens is a sanctuary of tropical plants, winding pathways, and stunning ocean views, a peaceful retreat where nature reigns supreme. The Cotton Tower Signal Station, perched high on a ridge, offers panoramic views that stretch from the east coast to the central highlands.
This month, St. Joseph comes alive with We Gatherin’ celebrations. The Cultural Fair (April 12-14, 2025) transforms Bathsheba into a hub of music, food, and art, where the flavours of Barbados take center stage. The Heritage Hike to Hackleton’s Cliff (April 27, 2025) offers a journey through history, ending in one of the most breathtaking views on the island.
From the windswept cliffs of St. Lucy to the historic streets of St. Peter, the rolling hills of St. Thomas, and the wild beauty of St. Joseph, each parish tells its own story, shaping the island’s identity. As We Gatherin’ 2025 continues, these stories become part of a larger narrative, the story of Barbados, of home, of heritage.
Wherever life takes you, there is always a place to return to. And here, in this land of 11 parishes, you are always welcome to come ‘long home!
