Barbados celebrates its independence every year at the end of November.
The small Caribbean island was formerly a part of British territories in the region, making up part of the British West Indies.
However, most of the territories have since become independent states meaning they're no longer overseen by the UK.
To mark its independence, Barbados holds various community events and ceremonies.
Here's everything you need to know about Barbados Independence Day.
When is Independence Day in Barbados?
Independence Day in Barbados is celebrated annually on November 30.
Barbados gained independence from the UK back in 1966, meaning it's been a sovereign state for 57 years.
It remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. This is a group largely made up of former British colonies that have since gained independence from the British Empire. Some countries in the Modern Commonwealth, including Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon and Togo, have no former ties to the British Empire.
The Commonwealth comprises 56 countries and is home to 2.5 billion people.
In 2021, Barbados became the world's youngest republic when it cut ties with the late Queen of England, Elizabeth II.
How is Barbados Independence Day celebrated?
The Usain Bolt Sport Complex in Barbados will be the venue for a "spectacular" parade consisting of almost 1,000 people on November 30.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley shared a social media message inviting people to support the parade and watch it anywhere in the world through a livestream
"I invite all Barbadians, residents, and friends of Barbados to witness our Independence Day Parade on Thursday, November 30th, starting at 8:00 a.m. AST (livestream will start at 7:15 a.m. AST) on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of Independence," she announced on X.
Several countries have sent their Independence Day congratulations to Barbados, including the US. A press release on behalf of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken read: "On behalf of the United States of America, I warmly congratulate the people of Barbados as you celebrate your independence on November 30. "
When did Barbados gain its independence?
Barbados was an English, and later British, colony for more than 300 years from 1625 to 1966.
Throughout its early colonial history, the island was a key hub for slave-run sugar cane plantations before slavery was abolished in 1834.
In 1958, Barbados joined the West Indies Federation, with political players hoping the union of islands would gain independence from Britain as one sovereign state. However, this federation was short-lived as it failed to gain independence and was dissolved in 1962.
Four years later, in 1966, Barbados was finally granted independence. The new nation appointed Errol Barrow as its first prime minister and the island joined the Commonwealth.
In the past few decades, there have been some discussions about Barbados transitioning to a Republic. A referendum was proposed on the matter in 2005 but the vote never came to fruition.
In 2020, the Barbadian government announced plans for the island to become a republic before the following year's Independence Day. On November 30, 2021, Sandra Mason was sworn in as the country's first President with the transition to a republic being completed.
