There are so many nations in the Caribbean that I’ve not heard of or have barely heard of. Antigua and Barbuda falls in that category, so let’s learn together!
Antigua and Barbuda Basics
Antigua and Barbuda is an independent nation in the Caribbean that sits at the edge of the Caribbean where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s made up of the two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda of course, but also some smaller islands. Antigua and Barbuda are about 25 miles (or 40 kilometers) apart, and the estimated population of all the islands is around 97,000, with almost all of them living in Antigua.
St. John’s is the capitol as well as the largest town. The island of Antigua was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was named for the Church of Santa Maria la Antigua. (Antigua means ancient, while Barbuda means bearded in Spanish.) It became a British colony in 1632 (and Barbuda became a colony in 1678); they gained independence in 1981.
The nation remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, so Charles III is its head of state, but there is a governor-general and a prime minister who serve the nation more directly.
Antigua and Barbuda is 87 percent Black and the common language is Antigua and Barbuda creole, though English is used for government and other official purposes.
Antigua and Barbuda National Symbols
The flag of Antigua and Barbuda features a triangle in the center of a field of red. The triangle has stripes of white, blue and black, as well a rising sun. The sun has seven points, which represent the six parishes of Antigua and the island of Barbuda. Black represents the African heritage of the islands’ residents, blue is for new hope and red is for the energy and life of the people. The stripes can also represent sky, sea and sand.
The national anthem is “Fair Antigua We Salute Thee,” which you can listen to here:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gedz8QqdNkE?si=iTFp5JozJ42RDN0P]
The national flower is the dagger’s log, which is the yellow flower that blooms on the agave plant (according to the website of the government of Antigua and Barbuda). The national animal is the European fallow deer, while the national fruit is the Antiguan black pineapple.
The national tree is the whitewood, and the frigate bird is the national bird. The national sea creature is the hawksbill turtle.
Antigua and Barbuda Activities for Kids
Learn more about Heather Doram, who designed the national dress of Antigua. There are versions for men and women and they include madras plaid in red, gold and green covered with a white pinafore for women and with a white shirt and black pants for men.
Take a virtual visit to Nelson’s Dockyard, a fully restored dockyard and museum that documents the British history on the islands.
Learn more about the very weird looking frigate bird, the only seabirds where the male and female look quite different (they’re also really good parents!).
Try the national dish, fungee and pepperpot, a spicy meat and vegetable stew served with polenta. Get the recipe from the Daughters of the British Empire.
Check out the printables about Antigua and Barbuda available for members at Activity Village.
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