Whether you’re looking for a place to call your second home or just want to take a break and visit someplace else, then the Caribbean is your best bet. Known as the paradise islands in North America, the region is quite popular because of its beautiful islands.
Antigua, an island located in the Eastern Caribbean, is one of the two major islands comprising the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Known to the locals as Wadadli the island is considered the jewel of the Caribbean for several reasons:
- Rich Culture and History
With an extensive history, the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda was originally home to an indigenous population some 4,500 years ago.
In 1493, renowned voyager Christopher Columbus discovered the islands and paved the way for its colonization by the Spanish and French regimes. Columbus named the larger island we now know as Antigua after the Santa Maria de la Antigua, a church in Seville, Spain.
Then, in 1632, royal guard captain-turned-explorer Sir Thomas Warner colonized the island. This is when the English started to take over and officially made Antigua a British colony in 1667.
After that, the age of slavery and sugar plantations began. In 1834, slavery was abolished, and Antigua finally gained independence come 1981.
Since then, the country has thrived through decades, thanks to its growing financial economy and tourism. Today, the country welcomes people from all around the world to take a front-row seat in watching Antiguan history unfold by becoming an economic citizen through Antigua citizenship by investment.
- The Food
As an island nation, Antigua and Barbuda also feature scrumptious seafood. Being surrounded by the sea, you’ll always find fresh seafood on the islands that’s cooked to perfection in some of the local restaurants.
Antigua was originally home to rum distilleries and sugar plantations. Now, it is home to various delicacies that give out a hint of its colorful past. Aside from the wealth of seafood, this island offers quality rums and tasty native dishes that can make your entire visit more memorable.
Here are some of the most popular foods and beverages tourists and aspiring economic citizens alike should try:
Conch
Like other Caribbean islands, Barbuda’s twin has its own unique offering when it comes to seafood.
Conch (pronounced as conk) is seafood meat popular in Antigua that comes in spiral shells that usually wash up along the beaches of the West Indies. With a slightly chewy texture, conch can be used in various recipes, including chowders, curries, and fritters. It can even be served raw in ceviches, a seafood dish originating from Peru that is made from fresh raw meat cured in citrus juices and spiced with chili peppers, aj, or other types of seasonings.
Aside from being delicious, conch is also known as a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in protein and has been found to contain iron and potassium. You can also get vitamins E and B12 by eating a helping of this mouthwatering mollusk.
Saltfish and Fungie
Fungie (pronounced foon-ji) and saltfish is a combination you’ll definitely want to try when in Antigua. After all, it’s not hailed as the country’s national dish for nothing.
Made much like the Italian polenta, fungie is made using okra paste and cornmeal and served with meats and stews. It is best paired with saltfish, a flaked white fish that is cured in salt.
Ducana
This recipe native in Antigua is made from grating sweet potatoes and coconuts and combining them in a banana leaf. After that, the dumpling-like dish is steamed and served with conch or saltfish. It has almost the same texture as tamale and has a slightly sweet and spicy taste.
Rum and Rum Punch
Antigua was previously filled with rum distilleries, so it isn’t surprising that rum is the favorite alcohol in the country. Compared to other rums, Antiguan rum is less sweet and is recommended to be sipped straight.
Meanwhile, rum punches are also a staple in the Antiguan nightlife. There’s a wide variety of this drink you can choose from, but one particular mix stands out: Papa Zouk’s Ti’ Punch. This alcoholic drink is made using lime juice, cane sugar, and high-quality Antiguan rum.
Wadadli Beer
While beer is not an obvious choice in a Caribbean island popular for its rum and rum-based drinks, the Wadadli beer still makes the list.
Made and named after the island’s old word for its native inhabitants, this beer is very light and perfect for quenching your thirst during warm evenings on the beach. And since the beverage is rarely found outside the island, it will do you good to make the most out of your experience and enjoy plenty of it during your stay in Antigua.
- The Beaches
When you visit Antigua, another highlight of your trip would most likely be the beaches. Aside from the crystalline water, the pearly white beaches of the country are what can make your Caribbean trip quite exhilarating.
Natives in the island love claiming that Antigua has 365 beaches one for each day of the year. But while there’s no way to confirm this as of this writing, one thing is sure: many tourists attest that Antiguan beaches are some of the best they’ve ever seen and having lived in Antigua for many years I would say there are probably over 350 beautiful white sand beaches!
Jolly Beach, for example showcases the Caribbean Sea’ssparkling emerald water and Antigua’s pearlescent white sand at its best. Drone photos of this beach need no retouching as they capture the natural beauty of what the island can offer.
- The Antigua Carnival
Beaches, history, and cuisine aside, another important reason why Antigua is hailed the jewel of the Caribbean is the Antigua Carnival.
Arguably the most colorful and exciting event in the entire region, the Carnival takes place between the months of July and August. During the 13 magnificent days of the event, you’ll get to see a lot of the Antiguan culture flow in the music, the dances, and the costumes locals and tourists alike will don during the festivities.
The Takeaway
With its reputation as a top tourist destination, it’s not surprising that the Caribbean will always be on the top places people would want to live in. When choosing the best second citizenship programs, be on the lookout for the Caribbean jewel known as Antigua.
AUTHOR BIO
Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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