Watch Harbourfront come alive with the sights and sounds of Barbados

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Harbourfront Centre was alive this weekend with the sights and sounds of Barbados. From August 16^th, 2019 – August 18^th, 2019 Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. invited the city to experience Barbados on the water. The weekend was pulled off successfully (despite the rain), and the Bajan community was out in full force ready to enjoy the: live entertainment, rum and culinary delights, wellness experiences, family-friendly arts and crafts, a fashion show, and a ticketed comedy show.

Members of the media were in for a special treat as they were given the chance to sample some of Barbados rich culinary offerings, which was hosted by award-winning chefs Javon Cummins, and Creig Greenidge. Our taste buds were delighted when we sampled the fish cakes, and to add to our now tantalized senses, we had an opportunity to sample specialized cocktails prepared by Barbados 2015 Bartender of the Year, Philip “Casanova” Antoine.

The rest of the weekend was a blur of activity. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Toronto was presented with an exceptional Soca line-up with the likes of: Susan G, King Bubba, Marz Ville, Peter Ram, and Dj Puffy. The audience marvelled at the fashion show directed by the famed Rodney Powers that featured: Barbadian inspired outfits, Crop Over costumes, swimwear, and evening gowns. Toronto Caribbean Newspaper’s own Trish Browning had an opportunity to meet some of the models and pose with Miss Universe Barbados Meghan Theobalds.

The audience had a chance to laugh off some of that fantastic Barbadian food with the Laff-it-off comedic show, which featured satirical commentary on social and political topics in Barbados. The festival did not leave out the kiddies; there were several kid friendly events for children of all ages including: face-painting, kite making, learning how to make Crop Over Festival Accessory, and traditional arts and crafts hosted by visual artist Karen Bell-Higgins.

It’s all over, and you had to go back to work; I am sure the tastes and sounds of Barbados may have taken many Bajans back to a familiar place. The island of Barbados is well known for offering authentic Caribbean experiences because of its exceptionally rich culture and history. What many may not know is that Barbados is finally being recognized as the “it” place to be. It was awarded the Caribbean Best Destination 2016 by Expedia, and was rated the ‘Best Caribbean Beach’ by USA Today in 2015. Barbados also ranked second place on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2016 list of ‘The Most Beautiful Islands in the Caribbean’ and ranked third in the 2015 Trip Advisor “Travelers’ Choice Awards for Islands 2015” in its Top 100 Destinations category. It is one of US News & World Report’s Top 7 Caribbean Islands for foodies. In addition, Barbados is the first Zagat-rated 
 Caribbean island and known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.

Barbados is expanding its reach in the European market with new thrice-weekly direct flights to Grantley Adams International Airport from Frankfurt Germany. This Lufthansa Group Flight is scheduled to commence on Monday, October 28^th, 2019. This means that there will more people around the world that will have an opportunity to sample what Barbados has to offer.

There has been an increased demand for self care getaways, and Barbados is working to answer that demand. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. is celebrating 2019 as the “Year of Wellness & Soft Adventure.” What are they offering you ask? Barbados guarantees a stress-free vacation that is sure to enrich a travelers mind, body and soul. In the next few editions, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is going to offer their readers some stress-free vacation offers, festival & events that our readers can consider now that fall is approaching. We want you to take in Barbados, because although it is a small island (only 166 square miles) it boasts some of the most thrilling adventures for our adventure seekers