Today, Monday 1 November marks another year of independence for the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda. It’s even more special as they mark 40 years since gaining independence in 1981 from the United Kingdom.
The islands modern history began in 1493 when Christopher Columbus sighted them during his second voyage to the New World. Subsequent Spanish settlers heading for the Americas gave the islands a miss due to the lack of fresh water and the understandable hostility of the Caribs, who were already in residence.
Antigua, the name given by Christopher Columbus, is Spanish for “Ancient” and honours the virgin of La Antigua in Seville Cathedral. Barbuda is Spanish for “Bearded”, which refers either to the island’s bearded fig trees or to its male inhabitants.
This year’s independence theme is Resilience, Reflection and Recovery and has been celebrated with a series of events during October. A Ceremonial Parade and Awards will be held today at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium from 1pm (GMT).
For more more information visit the Antigua Festivals Commission Facebook page.
Soca News would like to wish all of its Antiguan brothers and sisters a happy Independence.
