Celebrating Our Heritage: The Holetown Festival 2020
by Karen Rollins Feb 10, 2020
The Holetown Festival is on from 16-23 February 2020.
This year the annual event is also part of the celebrations taking place in St Peter throughout February for ‘We Gatherin’ 2020’.
The festival, which was originally conceived by Alfred Pragnell, marks the day in 1627 when the first 80 English settlers arrived on Barbados, along with 10 enslaved African (who were captured on the voyage), onboard a ship called the ‘William and John’.
It has now become one of the main attractions on Barbados’ packed calendar of events.
Locals and tourists can look forward to free open-air concerts with Calypso and Soca performers, a ‘Beating the Retreat’ display by the Barbados Defence Force and a ‘Flood Lit Tattoo’ by the Royal Barbados Police Force.
On the last two days, an extensive street fair offers a wide selection of Barbadian arts and crafts, as well as local foods and beverages.
Below are some of the key events throughout the week:
Sunday 16 February at 5pm – Opening celebrations at the Holetown Monument.
7.30pm – The Banks Liming Tent opens with karaoke and music (lasts all week).
Monday 17 February from 10.30am – Opening of the exhibition ‘Houses in Barbados’ in The Holetown Library.
7.30pm – Free concert: The Youth Gathering in Holetown at The Seaside Theatre.
Tuesday 18 February 12.30pm – 3pm – Steel Pan concert at Surfside Restaurant.
Wednesday 19 February at 7.30pm – Celebrity mixologist competition at The Seaside Theatre.
Thursday 20 February at 7.30pm – ‘The Holetown Festival Feva’ at The Seaside Theatre featuring Biggie Irie, Dancin’ Africa and Madd Entertainment.
Friday 21 February at 8pm – Grand Floodlit Tattoo and Night Parade at Trents Playing Field with the band of the Royal Barbados Police Force and the Barbados Defence Force. It is followed by ‘Illuminate 2020 – The Holetown Festival street party’.
Saturday 22 February from 8am – The 43rd annual street fair (runs until Sunday).
11am – Street parade featuring vintage and classic cars.
4pm – ‘The Holetown Cultural Presentation’ in association with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
9pm – Concert at the Holetown monument featuring Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah with a special appearance by Holetown Festival ambassador HypaSounds.
Sunday 23 February at 3.15pm – The Michael Parravicino Memorial 5K Road Walk (registration fee BBD 10).
4.15pm – The Sagicor/ HIV AIDS Commission 5K Road Run (registration fee BBD 10).
7pm – Closing concert by The Royal Barbados Police Force Band also featuring a melody of hits from Adrian Clarke, The Mighty Grynner, and Red Plastic Bag (BBD 20).
The Holetown Festival commemorates Barbadian history and culture through music, dance, and food. It’s also a celebration the whole family can enjoy!
For more information, visit the Holetown Festival website.