This event started in 1977 and commemorates the signing of the Charter of Barbados. It is also held in honour of the fisher folks in Oistins and persons who have contributed to the Barbados fishing industry.
The Oistins Festival showcases a variety of local and regional delicacies, art & craft, live music and cultural entertainment such as the steel-pan and tuk-band. Two of the main attractions are the fish boning competition and the climb-the-grease-pole competition.
Some of the other competitions are the crab racing and boat racing competition.
The Entertainment is centred around the Flood Lit Tattoo, the Gospel Festival and the Heritage Village.
Every year attempts have been made to enhance the uniqueness of the festival by focussing its activities around fish.