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In the course of the last two thousand or so years,
our island has been appreciated, visited, fought for, developed
and invested in like few other places on the planet. All because
it has a combination of assets unique in a landmass of its size.
Located at the northeast corner of the Caribbean island chain, Antigua
is called 'the heart of the Caribbean' and over the centuries this
has been true for several reasons; its accessible location, natural
features, strong economy and welcoming people.
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Calendar of events
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From new years through cricket and sailing season to Carnival
and beyond, the main Antiguan Holidays and happenings.
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Barbuda
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Our sparsely inhabited sister island is a source of curiosity
for many visitors and with good reason. Our guide to its extraordinary
natural beauty and tranquil pace of life.
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Ecosystems
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Follow the route of our infrequent rainfall from the hilltops
to the sea. Then poke your head underwater for a look at our
extensive marine habitats.
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Geography
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We have one of the most intricate coastlines and the lowest
hills in the Leeward Islands, why? A look at the underlying
rock will enlighten you.
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History
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Our human history starts around 2500 BC! European history
starts only 500 years ago and our history as an independent
nation only began in 1981! And now you can learn about it
all on the internet!
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Life on Antigua
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Most visitors find themselves wondering how people here live,
What jobs they do, what churches and schools they go to and
so - on. Its a natural curiosity so we'll try and shed some
light on the subject with info about everday Antiguans as
well as world class achievers.
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What to do
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Pick Mangoes, talk like an Antiguan, how to ride a donkey,
shop market street and learn to 'wine up your man. Also, what
NOT to do . . .
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Weather
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Some of the weather sites that actually make sense!!!!
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Antigua is located about halfway from the southern
end of the island chain and halfway again from the western end.
This made it an important stage for the original caribbean people,
the Siboney, when they colonized the islands in their huge canoes.
When Europeans first arrived in the West Indies, Antigua's location
- it was upwind of virtually all the important territory in the
region, made it strategically invaluable. For this reason, Antigua
is to this day the winter home to some of the world's most spectacular
and historic yachts. Luckily for the English colonists it was also
flat, had a good climate for growing sugar cane and more natural
harbours than any other Island. This made it a huge sugar producer
as well as the home to Nelson's powerful West Indies Fleet. During
this time, Antigua was also home to thousands of slaves of African
descent, forefathers of 90% of our current population.
While slavery was abolished in 1863, sugar was still
king for another 100 or so years. When it ceased to be # 1 in the
1960's Antiguans started looking to another granular white asset
- no, her unbelievable beaches, for sustenance and prosperity. Antigua
currently enjoys one of the strongest economies in the West Indies
thanks to the main engine - tourism and for this reason people from
all over the Caribbean come to work in an industry fueled by people
from all over the world. Todays visitors come to enjoy the beaches,
the ocean, the people and the unshakable pace of island life.
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