Barbate has been traditionally identified as the Roman oppidum of Baessipo [es] although there are also recent tentative suggestions about a location of the aforementioned settlement in nearby Vejer de la Frontera.[4]
From the 1930s the town was known as Barbate de Franco because General Francisco Franco spent leisure time there. It ceased to be called this in 1998 after a decree was passed by the Junta de Andalucia.
Barbate has a long history of fishing stretching back to Roman times when fish salting was at its peak. The town has a central square, "Plaza de la Inmaculada", flanked by the Town Hall and the Church of St. Paul. Barbate is popular with Spanish tourists in the summer, but attracts few foreign visitors.[5]
Fiestas
Barbate celebrates several fiestas during the year:
"Carnival" is celebrated in February or March, usually the week after it is celebrated in Cádiz. A temporary building is erected by the river and during the appointed week there are various dramatic, satirical and musical events. The Six Taps Square (la Plaza de los Seis Grifos) is a particular centre of activity.
Tuna Gastronomy week has been held since 2008 to celebrate the central role of tuna in the towns economy. It takes the form of a fair with temporary buildings, local trade stands and other attractions
St John's Night, traditionally on 23 June during the evening, artificial figures of local outstanding people, national celebrities or politicians are burned, it is customary to go down to the beach to cool down after the bonfires.
St. Carmen's Fair (Feria del Carmen) held on 16 July to celebrate the patron saint of fishermen and the town.
The Great Sardine Festival (La Gran Sardina) is held in the port area to enjoy the sardine season and its produce.[5]
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