Year-long We Gatherin’ initiative begins

The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) is thrilled to announce the start of the We Gatherin’ initiative for 2025. This year-long celebration of all things Barbadian invites nationals living abroad to return home to reconnect with family, friends, and cherished Barbadian traditions.

We Gatherin’ represents a call to action for Barbadians to rediscover their heritage and contribute to the island’s economy by supporting local businesses and investing in future developmental projects.

Prime Minister  Mia Amor Mottley, urged all Barbadians across the diaspora to participate in We Gatherin’, “This special, year-long festival calls on every Bajan, near and far, to return to our island. Reconnect with your families, reconnect with the land, the culture, and the other people who helped raise you and made us who we are as a people. We Gatherin’ is not just a festival, my friends; it is a celebration of us.”

The prime minister added, “It is a time to honour our achievements, to share our stories, and to look boldly towards the future we are building together. We Gatherin’ 2025 will be a time to deepen our bonds, to learn from each other, and to revel in the joy of being Bajan. So, wherever you are in the world, start making your plans—Barbados is calling you home.”

A special invitation is also extended to travellers to experience the planned festivities—whether first-time visitors to Barbados or those who already embrace the island as a home away from home. We Gatherin’ is expected to provide a boost to the tourism sector, serving as a unique opportunity to spotlight Barbados as a year-round destination through immersive experiences and cultural events.

Travellers to Barbados in 2025 will enjoy opportunities to engage with local communities and experience the island’s renowned warmth and hospitality.

“We are calling on all Barbadians to play their part in making this a success—not just by attending the events but by reconnecting with the fundamental values that define us, sharing with one another, and everyone being considered family—an aunty or uncle to lean on,” said Director of the We Gatherin’ Secretariat, Senator John King. “This is an opportunity to pause, reset, and reflect on who we are as a nation. From a business perspective, it is also a time to show gratitude—gratitude to shopkeepers and small business owners who have supported us. These are the values that built our society, and we must revisit them to understand what makes us who we are.”

Senator King added, “We Gatherin’ is about reclaiming the traditions and principles that shaped our identity. Whether it’s through sharing, helping one another, or reconnecting with faith and community, we have the power to elevate the spirit of Barbados.”

We Gatherin’ embodies that sense of community synonymous with the traditional Bajan way of life. Each month, celebrations will occur in one of Barbados’ 11 parishes, beginning with St Lucy in January, followed by St Peter in February, and culminating in St Michael during Independence Month in November. In December, the initiative will close with a nationwide celebration, uniting Barbadians and visitors across the island’s 166 square miles.

To mark the first day of the We Gatherin’ year, the BTMI has prepared a series of cultural presentations, including giveaways of local confectionery and welcome drinks, at Grantley Adams International Airport.

“We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our visitors and beloved diaspora as we embark on this exciting year-long celebration of culture, heritage, and community,” shared BTMI’s Chief Product Development Officer,  Marsha Alleyne. “The cultural welcome activities at our ports of entry are designed to honour the rich contributions of our diaspora and the many visitors to our shores. Together, we will celebrate our shared history, foster connections, and create lasting memories that will resonate for years to come. Join us, because we gatherin’! Welcome home, and welcome to Barbados!”

We Gatherin’ promises an extraordinary year of shared memories for Barbadians and visitors alike—fostering national pride and inspiring greater love for the island. For more information on We Gatherin’, including updates on exciting monthly activities in each parish, visit https://wegatherinbim.com. (PR)

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