History and Cultures

On a sunny day in 1493 a certain explorer called Christopher Columbus sailed past the island we now know as Antigua. At that time it was called ‘Wa ‘ladli’ by the indigenous West Indians, the Arawaks, who lived on the island. It is thought that Columbus gave the island he saw the name Santa Maria la Antigua after an icon in Spain’s Seville Cathedral.

In 1632, 52 years after the English settled in Antigua, the enterprising Sir Christopher came to find out if the island would support large-scale sugar cultivation. As you will see when you visit the country there are almost 100 cane processing windmills still remaining, which at first glance appear to be picturesque stone towers.  They show just how much the sugar cane industry took off in Antigua.

Up until 1981 the British ruled Antigua and in that same year, on 1st November, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state within the Commonwealth Realm and they remain so today.

Antigua has always been an island rich in culture, where the African and British influences shine through in a whole variety of places. The African influence is recognisable all over the island from the music, such as Calypso and Soca, to everyday aspects such as the language.  English is the official language, however many of the locals speak Antiguan Creole which is derived from both the British and African language.

You’ll notice while here that the 300 or so year British ownership has made a big difference culturally and visually to how the island is today.  British culture is everywhere you look, for example cricket is the national sport. Boat racing has become a big part of Antigua, largely due to the Antigua Sailing Week, which attracts locals and visitors from all over the world.