The historic fishing village of Oistins was a hive of vibrant energy and fierce rivalry this weekend as the annual Oistins Fish Festival reached its climax.
Celebrating the rich maritime heritage of Barbados, the final day of the festival saw local legends and spirited newcomers compete in traditional displays of skill, speed, and endurance. Many Barbadians and visitors alike lined the streets as they took in the sights and sounds of a festival that has been a staple for the community for decades.
The day’s festivities kicked off with a nod to the island’s market history through a Tray Balancing competition. Tasked with navigating a course while carrying wooden trays on their heads without the use of their hands, competitors demonstrated incredible poise.
Alicia Arthur emerged victorious, expertly manoeuvring the course with a steady grace that left her rivals trailing.
It was then followed by an egg and spoon race, which saw Trinidadian UWI student Simran Persad prevail in a nail-biting finish.
The atmosphere intensified as the crowd moved to the seaside for the technical competitions.
In the Dolphin Skinning competition, all eyes were on the defending champion, Tyrone Shorey.
Despite a spirited challenge from competitors like Roy, who pushed the pace early on, Shorey’s clinical precision proved unbeatable. Working with lightning speed, the champion retained his title, barely pausing to catch his breath as he stripped the catch in record time.
The focus then shifted to the delicate art of the Flying Fish De-boning competition. This event celebrates the skill required to prepare the island’s national dish. Jackie Norgrove dominated the field, securing her fifth career win at the festival.
”It’s a normal day-to-day thing, so it just comes naturally now,” Norgrove remarked after her victory.”
Reflecting on her legacy, she noted her winning streak spans over a decade: “I won in 2012, 2013, 2018, 2025, and now 2026. It feels very good.”
However, the highlight of the afternoon’s proceedings was the legendary Greasy Pole competition. A test of strength, coordination, and sheer willpower, the event saw teams attempt to scale a heavily lubricated wooden mast to claim the prize at the summit.
The crowd roared as Joshua Drayton successfully reached the top, attributing his success not to individual strength, but to a carefully calculated strategy.
”Teamwork makes the job work easier,” Drayton said shortly after descending. “Once you’ve got a good team and understanding, you make the job easy. We didn’t just come with a plan; we executed the plan. The strategy was to get a firm foundation, a strong middle, and let the lightest and shortest man go to the top.”
As the sun set over the Oistins jetty, the festival concluded with music and celebrations, marking another successful year of honouring the men and women who remain the backbone of the Barbadian fishing industry.
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