Eastertime fun for all the family is guaranteed at the annual Oistins Fish Festival which is on this year from 12-21 April with the ongoing theme ‘Catch De Culture’.

The festival aims to honour the fisherfolk in Oistins. It has been going for over 45 years and usually attracts around 30,000 people. 

On the schedule this year are some of the usual popular activities including the Easter bonnet competition, the greasy pole contest, and the fish boning contest.

There will also be a thanksgiving service on Sunday 13 April at Christ Church Parish Church; a ‘Celebrity Cook Off’ on Thursday 17 April; and two ‘Heritage Sunset Strolls’ on Friday 18 April and Sunday 20 April starting at 5pm. A 5km run and walk for charity will also be held on Monday 21 April from 6am.

Make your way to Oistins over Easter for days of culture, history, competition, and laughter.

Background

The Oistins Fish Festival was started in 1977 by the leaders of community groups in the Christ Church area, along with Lady Stella St. John and the late Sir Harold Bernard St. John. 

According to the official website, the main objectives of the festival are to: 

• Revive the town as a thriving hive of social and economic activity. 
• Develop the entrepreneurial skills of small businesspeople. 
• Encourage recognition of the town’s fisherfolk. 
• Inspire a sense of pride, high esteem, and belonging among the residents of Oistins. 

Alongside the regular Friday night fish fry in Oistins, this festival is one of the biggest attractions on the island’s cultural calendar. It also provides insight into the significant role the fishing industry has played in Barbados’ development.

Visit the official Oistins Fish Festival website for more information.

Sources: Barbados.org and Visit Barbados.