Barbados for revellers - Barbados

A small island it may be, however Barbados is home to an alive and kicking after-dark scene for the night owl in you. Reserve your Friday night for Oistins' fish fry, a huge open-air street party where punters can tuck into authentic Bajan fare such as grilled fish, macaroni pie, cou cou (a dish of cornmeal and okra), coleslaw, sweet potato mash and plantain. Of course, this alfresco meal can be washed down with a chilled rum punch or two, before throwing some shapes to pumping soca beats thundering from the huge speakers. In what is a quiet fishing village during the rest of the week, the Friday night fish fry is a maze of food stands, market stalls and picnic tables, where tourists rub shoulders with locals in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. To try at least once during your holiday to Barbados!

At other times of the week, St Lawrence Gap lays claim to the title of the island's nightlife hub, where you'll find a handful of pubs and bars going until late. A little further down the road towards Bridgetown, Harbour Lights - a Barbadian institution - draws a party-ready crowd every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night. This waterfront nightclub is famous for its energetic dinner shows showcasing the talents of home-grown bands and local performers such as stilt men, limbo dancers and fire eaters. The frenzied beach party atmosphere (accompanied by a delicious BBQ dinner and 5 hour open bar...) ensures you'll have a good time dancing with your toes in the sand.

Other events throughout the year for party people include the Holetown Festival (every February), the Barbados Reggae Festival (every April), the Oistins Fish Festival (every Easter), and the Crop Over Festival (every July/August).

Oistins' Fish Fry: Every Friday night from 7:00pm, Oistins, Christchurch.
Harbour Lights: Carlisle Bay, Bay Street, St Michael. Telephone (246) 426 72 25

By Richelle Harrison Plesse