Antigua and Barbuda

Souvenirs from Antigua and Barbuda

Souvenirs from Antigua and Barbuda are essential to remember your vacation days in the tropics. You can bring back reliable favorites, such as imprinted post cards, colorful key chains, T-shirts with wacky sayings or refrigerator magnets, in addition to lovely hand crafted goods. Pottery and carvings are very popular, especially reflecting natural themes and influences. A set of wind chimes, vases, bowls or figurines will be quite attractive in your home. Straw baskets and footstools may be slightly more difficult to pack, but you're certain to find room for scrimshaw pieces, antique sailing maps and stationary, and jewelry. Certain plants can be exported, giving their bright foliage and sweet scents to your home. For those seeking a longer lasting Antiguan souvenir, candles and soap made from essential oils are a wonderful option. The taste of the tropics is available in the varied pepper sauces, jams and jellies that are canned on the island.

Antigua and Barbuda: Facts and Trivia

The Nation of Antigua and Barbuda actually consists of many islands in the Lesser Antilles, as a part of the Leeward Islands. Antigua and Barbuda are the two largest, with the majority of the population of 85,000 living in Antigua. Formerly a part of the British Empire, you'll find that the culture, language and government are steeped in that tradition. Afternoon tea is a popular tradition, reflecting this truth. Hours spent on the beach are a much more regional habit, and Antigua and Barbuda is called the "Land of 365 Beaches." As befits a tropic nation, a relaxed pace and festive atmosphere pervades the air. The weather is typically warm and rainy, due to the islands location a balmy 17 degrees above the Equatorial line. An amusing bit of local trivia deals with the names of Antigua and Barbuda. Both are Spanish words, meaning "ancient" and "bearded," respectively.