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Travelers will find many reasons to vacation on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, which features gorgeous sugar-sand beaches - some say one for every day of the year - and flawless tropical scenery. But that's not all you'll find on the island. Vacationers will discover that Antigua also offers a vibrant culture spun by a fascinating history that is as fun to explore as the island's beautiful beaches.
The history of Antigua is like many other islands in the Caribbean, and its past is a story of war, colonialism, and slavery. In the colonial period, France, Spain, and England fought over the island because they each wanted a foothold in the highly profitable sugarcane industry, which had already taken over many of the islands in the region. The cultivation of sugarcane in the Caribbean had a tremendous effect on Antigua's history, and, in turn, on its present-day culture and economy.
Thousands of African slaves were brought to the island to work on the sugar plantations that once drove Antigua's economy. These slaves contributed to the ethnic mix of Antigua's current population, which is predominately made up of descendants of African slaves. Today, many of the sugarcane mills still stand on the island as reminders of Antigua's sugarcane legacy. After slavery was abolished, the sugarcane industry waned and, presently, Antigua's economy relies on tourism for its main source of income, with contributions from the domestic agriculture market.
The African influence on the island's culture has affected many aspects of the country's way of life, including musical traditions that are still popular today, artistic style, and particularly the celebration of Carnival, which commemorates the emancipation of the African slaves. The culture of the islanders has also been touched by British influence, and the people have adopted many traditional British sports and even religions.
Antigua boasts gorgeous beaches, a rich history, and a culture that is well worth experiencing. With so much to offer, Antigua is a perfect vacation destination for your next Caribbean getaway.
The rich history of Antigua is just one aspect of the country's appeal.
Travelers who take the time to learn about the local culture found in Antigua are sure to get more out of their trip.
Browse this alphabetical listing in order to find out about great places to stay in Antigua.