Antigua and Barbuda, the Nation of the Two Islands
Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea. The nation consists of two islands, is known as a tourist destination in the world far away and exotic.
On these islands there are no indigenous people, as most were destroyed by various reasons other than during the colonial era. Today, the majority of the population are descendants of African slaves who came to work in sugar plantations, although more and more people from other nearby islands. Many retirees from around the world have also been installed on these lovely islands.
Religion is very important for the locals, so there are a variety of churches and other places of worship. Stresses the Cathedral of St. John’s in Antigua, undoubtedly one of the most prominent.
The Cathedral of St. John’s is an Anglican cathedral. The present cathedral dates from 1845, as the two previous structures were destroyed by earthquakes in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Fences stand, decorated with figures of St. John of Patmos and John the Baptist.
Antigua is the main island, and owes its name to a picture of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Seville Cathedral. The island is a popular tourist destination. The largest city is the capital city, St. John’s. The city has a large bay where they spend many cruises. Other major towns are All Saints and Liberty, about 3,000 people each. All Saints is located next to the first sugar plantation, Betty’s Hope. Now this plantation is an open-air museum.
The Antigua Sailing Week is one of the most famous races. Other major sports on these two islands that stand out for its mix of cultures are the cricket, which is considered the national sport, and surfing. The main stadium is the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
English Harbor is located on the southeast coast and is known to be a popular destination for yachts. In the past, here was a former British shipbuilder, the Nelson’s Dockyard.
St John’s is the capital of the country. The city is the most important port in the region. Many of the tourist and cultural attractions are in this city. Among these stands the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. This museum located in Court House, a 1747 colonial building that is in place the first market of the city. The museum has a large collection of art and artifacts from the Arawak and colonial times. There is even a full size replica of an Arawak house, as well as several models of sugar plantations.
Another important museum is the Marine Art Museum, with exhibits of volcanic rock, petrified wood and an impressive collection of over 10,000 shells. There are even remains of British ships were lost at sea.
The Botanical Gardens are a small park that is filled with locals and tourists. The park is located next to the Cathedral of St. John’s. Another landmark is the lighthouse of St. John’s Antigua Light, which monitors the bay of the city.
There are several forts scattered throughout the island. Beside the bay is Fort James Fort, a fort that dates back to 1706. There are traces of guns and from these stunning open views towards the sea. Also include Fort George, Fort Charles and Fort Shirley.
Barbuda is the second island. The main town is Codrington, where the Codrington Castle. Some of the attractions of the island include the Martello Tower and the old mansions in Palmetto Point, Coconut Point and Castle Hill.
In Barbuda is Fregata Bird Sanctuary, located in the Codrington Lagoon. Highland House, a beautiful eighteenth century mansion that belonged to the Codrington family, is one of the sights of the island. Another prominent Indian Cave is where you can see petro glyphs made by ancient inhabitants of the island.
The islands are also known for its carnival. The carnival, which takes place every August, commemorates the end of slavery across the region. We organize concerts, contests and people hit the streets in disguise to dance to the beat of calypso and soca music.
Antigua and Barbuda also has its own cuisine, based on the ingredients that once abounded in the island. The most popular entrees are dukun, a sweet dish made from potatoes, corn and various spices.
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Destinations | Author | June 15, 2010
Anglican, Antigua, Barbuda, Cathedral, churches, city, Gardens, Harbor, island, museum, park, yachts
