2009 FESTIVAL & EVENTS OF BARBADOS – SPORTS/CULTURE/MUSIC/ETC.
Open House Program Sponsored by the Barbados National Trust, this program provides entry into rich historic homes that reveal a range of lifestyles, architecture and historical features,? giving locals and island?visitors the opportunity to visit private properties that usually remain closed to the general public. Held at the Ball Plantation in Christ Church,?this popular two-day show ?offers visitors the opportunity to see an incredible range of flower displays and show gardens.? The Annual Flower and Garden Show, which is organized by the?Barbados Horticultural Society, includes live musical performances, trade stalls and numerous food and drink stalls. Waterman Festival:? The Waterman Festival lasts for three weekends and celebrates surfing, ?windsurfing and kite surfing with an exciting series of competitive events.? Activities take place all over the island with most events composed of invited professionals,? but amateurs and touring professionals also have the opportunity to participate.? Hot social events are the surfer buffet and the sunset “deAction Beach Party” at Brian Talma’s ‘Irie Man Action Shop‘ in Silver Rock. Holetown Festival The week-long celebrations of the Holetown Festival kick-off with a bang at the Holetown Monument in the centre of the town.? The event marks the arrival of the first settlers at the site now known as Holetown on? The festival provides visitors with an introduction to Barbadian culture and traditions through a varied program that includes concerts,?live music, street parades, beauty pageants, craft fairs, historical exhibitions,?sporting competitions and food and drink events. Sandy Lane Gold Cup:? From its humble beginning in 1982 the Barbados Gold Cup, sponsored for the first fifteen years by Cockspur Rum and since 1997?by Sandy Lane Hotel, has grown to be the most prestigious and significant horse racing event in the? Holders Season:? Barbados’ exciting season of opera, classical, jazz, Latin and? The 2009 line up includes professionals from New York’s Metropolitan Opera and African blues singers. Paradise?Lost Exhibition:? The Paradise Lost art exhibition, held at the historic Lancaster Great House, illustrates Barbados’ architectural heritage:?its losses, excesses, triumphs and disasters.? The exhibition is curated by?
These two tournaments, which are jointly sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) and Colombian Emeralds,?in association with Simpson Motors, Mount Gay Rum, Raffles Resort, Terra Caribbean Ltd, Barbados National Bank, Ocean 2 and Courtesy Garage,?feature some of the top names in international polo over the course of these four-match?series. DGM European Seniors Golf:? One of the stages on the European Seniors Tour, this annual golf tournament is played at the prestigious Royal Westmoreland Golf Club in St. James. ?Fielding at least 40 pro-golfers, there is a large cash prize up for grabs for the winner so spectators can expect some outstanding play. Barbadian Furniture Exhibition:? The Barbadian Furniture exhibition, held at the historic Lancaster Great House is curated by the Barbados Museum and Historical Society in conjunction with the International Committee of Museums (ICOM). Anglers from? Yellow Fin Tuna and Wahoo at this exciting annual competition. Oistins Fish Festival:? Held in the scenic fishing town of Oistins Barbados’ south coast, the annual? Oistins Fish Festival is a day of celebrations for those that work in the local fishing industry.? Visitors can expect live calypso and reggae music, craft fairs, family games and stalls selling delicious seafood dishes.? Popular events and attractions include the fish boning tournament, boat r aces and the fun grease-pole competition. Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf:? One of the biggest and best-loved golfing events on the island, the annual Sir Garfield Sobers Festival of Golf is a four-day tournament.? Lured by the fine courses, hospitality and prospect of great weather, the festival attracts players from all over the world. Golfers compete in teams of four and there is also a ladies’ competition.? The festival is hosted and compered by Sir?
Gospelfest:? Featuring top local, regional and international gospel talent,? the annual Barbados Gospelfest is one of the most popular Christian music festivals in the? The event was first held in 1993 and covers different styles ranging from traditional gospel choir music to a modern gospel DJ set. Attracting teams from across the? Played over the Whitsuntide weekend, the soccer tournament attracts a lot of senior players who still have the energy, passion and enthusiasm for the game. In addition to the soccer,?attractions, live entertainment and a legendary beer tent draw crowds. Sol Rally? Sol Rally Barbados 2009 is the 20th running of the Barbados Rally Club’s premier two-day tarmac rally event and the Mount Gay Regatta:? The annual Mount Gay Regatta in? The regatta comes to a close on the Sunday evening with a big party and awards ceremony. Crop Over Festival:? Crop Over ?is? Dating back to the 1780s when the island was one of the biggest sugar producers in the world, the end of the sugar cane harvest was always celebrated with a big party, and the tradition continues today with added extravagance and flamboyance.? The festival culminates with the ceremonial delivery of the last sugar canes of the harvest and the crowning of the carnival king and queen.? Events continue for the next five weeks and revelers can expect a heavy mix of live music, dancing, carnivals, markets, cultural presentations and more.? Kadooment Day
Starting in January,?every Wednesday through March 2009 
Banks International Hockey Festival:?
Attracting teams not only from the?
Taste of?
Spread across four mouthwatering days, the Taste of?
Sun, Sea & Slams International Bridge Festival: October, (exact date TBA)
Bridge fans from all over the world come each year to this fun, yet competitive, festival. The festival features events for pairs and teams, as well as championship matches and concludes with an awards dinner.
Sizzlin’ Sand?
The best beach volleyball teams from across the?
National?Independence?Festival of the Creative Arts:?
NIFCA showcases the artistic talents of Barbadians and encourages Barbadians of all ages to showcase their talents in the fields of music, singing, dance, drama, writing, fine art, photography, arts and crafts. The festival runs throughout November and concludes with a gala presentation.
This annual festival brings together the best of world cinema and international film culture and provides a major showcase for the exhibition of the?
Run?
The Run Barbados festival takes place annually on the first weekend in December. The event comprises a 5k Fun Run and Walk, a 10k, a Half-Marathon, and a Marathon.
