And they do it differently in the Caribbean where Bajans are preparing to mark 400 years… and a Hole new Barbados.
With next year the 400th anniversary of English settlement on the island.
Holetown is, well, a whole different place from the stream, or hole, the first permanent colonists encountered in 1627.
And christened Jamestown, for King James VI of Scotland and First of the UK.
Today’s Holetown, which it became a couple of years into the interlopers’ stay, is among the most sought-after spots in the island.
The hub of the Platinum Coast, a playground for the rich and famous, particularly around the exclusive Sandy Lane resort.
Hot spot for celebs
And celeb spotters can easily bag the rich and famous from Cliff Richard through to Simon Cowell, the Beckhams, Rooneys and Oprah.
Shopping at the elegant Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, with its over one hundred cafés, restaurants, boutiques and stores.
And bag Louis Vuitton, Tag Hauer, Ralph Loren, Hugo Boss, Bvlgari, Michael Kors and countless more.
And for you and me, duty-free prices,
We Gatherin’
Because the Platinum Coast should not be beyond you with couples hotel Club Barbados more in your reach than Sandy Lane.
Holetown and Barbados will, of course, be marking the 400th anniversary in their own inimitable Bajan style.
With a carnival.
The We Gatherin’ initiative and the annual festival cycle centred around The Holetown Festival Remixed from February 15-22.
Now as anyone who has ever jumped at Barbados’s international spectacle, Crop Over, will know.
Mottley’s crew
Carnivals are a year-long event in the planning and execution and it’s even longer with the We Gatherin’ initiative.
With the exact quadricentennial of the English merchant ship Olive Blossom arriving at the island occurred on May 14, 2025.
And the ever-popular President Mia Mottley calling on Bajans to actively ‘reclaim national destiny’
With next year’s the 400th anniversary of the original permanent settlers aboard the William and John next February.
Limin’ essence
Now Bajans being Bajans it’s not all heavy though.
With the event throbbing to the background log the iconic Tuk Band accompanied by folklore characters like Mother Sally, Shaggy Bear, and the Stiltman.
New to us too.
The George Ullyett Memorial Classic Car Show anchors the weekend street fairs.
While we’ll all be chippin’ behind the Grand Floodlit Tattoo & Night March.
And, as if you needed to ask… there is a liming tent all week.
Where you’re bound to find my Bajan-based Trini legend Jevan.