Drawing on its African, English and West Indian roots, Barbados has established its own distinctive identity, which is evident in its customs, traditions and values and passionately expressed through the music, exceptional cuisine and the artistic talents of its people. 

Music plays a major part of the local culture with calypso being the most popular. The derivation of calypso rhythms can be traced back to the arrival of the first African slaves to Barbados and other Caribbean islands in the 17th century. The art form, which was developed in Trinidad, combines the skills of story-telling, singing and instrument making, and has since been influenced by European, North American and other Caribbean cultures. Calypso usually involves some social commentary, typically a humorous satire on social and political events, with an infectious beat. It is a unique form of music that is an integral part of the Barbadian cultural landscape.

Barbados is an architectural delight of old and new, of elegance and simplicity, of history and tradition preserved and repeated through the years. Many buildings are in the Georgian, Jacobean and Victorian styles.

The island also produces a wide selection of local arts & crafts. Barbadian artists use their work to reflect aspects of Barbadian life, culture and heritage, and many mediums are used - from oils and watercolors, to sculpture, pottery and shell art.