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Barbuda’s Extravaganza!

We know, it’s February! But, we thought that you would like to know what you might have missed over in Barbuda for their Christmas Xtravangaza 2025.

The Christmas Xtravaganza 2025 brought the community together for an unforgettable time filled with laughter, games, music, and festive cheer. Children’s eyes sparkled with delight as Menace took on the role of Santa, leading playful competitions and spreading holiday joy throughout the crowd.

Young attendees explored the Santa Craft and Activity Station, where they created Christmas ornaments, enjoyed face painting, and participated in a variety of games, earning prizes and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Families savored festive treats, including popcorn and snow cones, while the competitive spirit soared during a 16-team domino tournament, with Dylan and Paige taking first place ($1,200) and Jayban and Marvin securing second ($700).

The night also showcased local talent, with lively performances by the Pentecostal Drum Corps, Pentecostal dancers, and the ALM dancers, filling the air with music, rhythm, and holiday cheer.

Community spirit shone brightly with the announcement of competition winners: the Christmas Lighting Competition awarded Anohery Mapp $3,000 for first place and Simone Simon $1,500 for second; the barbudanGO “O Holy Night” Staff Carol Competition recognized the Day Care Staff $500, while the Team Buda Christmas Raffle delighted winners with a deep freezer (1st prize) and a 70” TV (2nd prize).

From the joyous laughter of children to the applause for local performers and the excitement of gift giveaways, the event underscored the strength and unity of the Barbuda community. 2025’s Christmas Extravaganza was more than a celebration—it was a vibrant expression of togetherness, creativity, and holiday spirit, leaving everyone looking forward to next year’s festivities.

Photographing Home: Mohammid Walbrook

We often hear “home is where the heart is”. For photographer Mr. Mohammid Walbrook, “home” is exactly that and more.

Home is also his muse.

Watch and listen as Walbrook relates how Barbuda inspires his work. Discover the sites on the island that his camera favours, and learn more about life on his 62 sq m of home. This short clip is courtesy the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s (ABTA) Island Stories series, which tells the story of personalities in Antigua and Barbuda.

A glance at photos by Mohammid Walbrook:

Find Mohammid Walbrook on our Map at Creatives here.

Catch up on other personalities featured in the the ABTA series here: Island Stories

Photos courtesy of Mohammid Walbrook.

Young Barbudan Artists Shine!

Entries in the Barbuda Youth Art Competition
Submissions to the Barbuda Youth Art Competition

The second annual Barbuda Youth Art Workshop & Competition recently ended with an exhibition at Madison Square, Barbuda.

The exhibition displayed entries submitted by Barbudan youths vying for the winner’s spot in three age categories 10-12, 13-15, and 16-20. The winner in each category received $EC 500, courtesy the Barbuda Ocean Club, and the exciting promise of seeing their work come alive on wall murals in the near future.

Barbuda Young Visual Artists
Participants in the Barbuda Youth Art Competition

The winner in each age category was chosen according to total votes gained on Facebook and Instagram @artsyyaadie and from the final scores given by four judges on the day of the exhibition.

According to the workshop and competition organiser, Stacie-Ann Shaw/ “Artsy Yaadie”, the winning designs will soon be installed on wall murals that will be situated in a Meditation Garden/Park in Barbuda.

Shaw noted that the idea of a Meditation Garden/Park is rooted in her belief that the murals would be incomplete without an accompanying space where people can sit and socialise as they enjoy the work of the young Barbudan artists. She further added that she will be seeking partnerships with organisations, individuals, and the corporate sector to ensure the project’s success.

Stacie-Ann Shaw
Organiser of the Barbuda Youth Art Workshop & Competition ,
Visual Artist and Architect,
Ms. Stacie-Ann Shaw

(Photos courtesy of Ms. Stacie-Ann Shaw)