Barbados at 60: celebrating Bajan Independence in New York

Events, Bajan food and how to join the "60 and 5" celebrations from New York, leading up to November 30, 2026.

Updated November 4, 2026

On November 30, 2026, Barbados marks 60 years of Independence and 5 years as a Republic. Barbados calls the celebration "60 and 5." New York has one of the biggest Bajan communities anywhere, so here's how to celebrate from here.

Updated November 5, 2026. We'll add events as they're announced.

Events in New York

12th Annual Bajan Broughtupsy: Barbados Pre-Independence Cultural Concert

  • When: Saturday, November 7, 6 to 10 PM (doors 5 PM)
  • Where: Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn
  • What: music, poetry, storytelling, dance and comedy, a special edition for 60 years of independence. All ages, free parking.
  • Tickets and details

Hosting a Bajan Independence event? A church service, gala, fete or family day? Submit it free and we'll list it.

See every Caribbean event this month: caribny.com/events

"Barbados Day" Fridays

Barbados has asked people at home and abroad to make every Friday until November 30 "Barbados Day": wear the national colours, fly the flag and share your photos (NY Carib News). Wear your ultramarine and gold to work, to church or on the train.

Where to eat Bajan in New York

  • Culpepper's, 1082 Nostrand Ave, Crown Heights. A Barbadian restaurant and bakery for more than 25 years, known for flying fish and cou-cou, fish cakes and mauby.
  • Sugarcane, 238 Flatbush Ave, Prospect Heights. A Caribbean spot serving Bajan-style plates.

Hours change, especially around holidays, so call before you go. Know another Bajan spot? Tell us and we'll add it free.

Know your Bajan facts

  • Independence: November 30, 1966. The flag was raised at midnight.
  • The flag: two ultramarine bands for the sea and sky, a gold band for the sand, and a broken trident for the break from colonial rule.
  • National dish: cou-cou (cornmeal and okra) with flying fish.
  • National anthem: "In Plenty and In Time of Need."
  • National flower: Pride of Barbados.

Going home for Independence?

Make sure your Barbados passport is valid, and give yourself extra time at the airport. Sending gifts instead? Read our guide to sending a barrel home for Christmas.

CaribNY isn't affiliated with the Government of Barbados or the event organizers. Confirm details with the organizer before you go.

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