For once, let’s put the time spent on a mile-long white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters a little lower on your itinerary and place the sweetest summer festival at the top.
Crop Over, which literally means the “end of harvest”, is the famed Barbadian festival that marks the end of the sugar cane season. During the era of slavery, a big party was organized on plantations on the first Monday of August to celebrate the end of the yield. After the Second World War, the tradition dwindled for a while before it was reintroduced with panache in the 70s.
Today, thanks to an elaborate mix of Soca music, feathers and unforgettable parties, Crop Over has become one of the most anticipated events on the calendar of festivities in the Caribbean. A one-of-a-kind experience that will make you want to come back to the island gem every year.
While the beginning of the year is generally synonymous with carnival in most of the islands of the archipelago, Barbados has found the magic formula to attract, in the heart of summer, a colourful crowd of festival-goers from all over the region and around the world to the lively streets of its capital. This year, the festivities start around May with the official events commencing from July 1st -August 7th. Around the island, various themed parties are organized to satisfy every festival-goer.
Crédit photos : © Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
“Last Lap”, the final week of the festival is the most talked about with festivities beginning on August 1st and climaxing on Grand Kadooment Day which is August 7th. Throughout this week, it’s best to rely on stamina and good vibes because it is non-stop partying and no sleep. At the beginning of the week, you can start slow with a beach party like Lifted or Escape Cooler Cruise, then experience a premium breakfast party with exquisite Bajan cuisine at Mimosa. If you like music and social commentary, then we recommend experiencing the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals.
Now this is where the pace really speeds up! On the Friday night of “Last Lap” is the Foreday Morning Jam, which is similar to a “J’ouvert” in other Caribbean islands. This word that derives from “ jou ouvè” literally means “dawn” in Creole. But be careful now is not the time to sport your beautiful costume, not just yet.
During this popular nocturnal parade that winds through the streets of Bridgetown, the risk of being sprinkled with splashes of paint and mud is very high. That’s how the tradition goes and you can’t escape it …whether you are part of the parade or of the public that gathers along the main streets of the city in wee hours. This promises to be an unforgettable experience. However, Foreday Morning isn’t the only “J’ouvert” held at this time as festival goers have the choice of a more private party like Native.
Crédit photos : © Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
It doesn’t end there, before the big day, you can experience the enchantment of the drinks-inclusive garden party Lost in Paradise, dance on the high seas at Limerz Cruise or bring your whole crew to Vibe Land.
Then finally it’s time for Grand Kadooment on the first Monday of August. Grand Kadooment is similar to Carnival Tuesday, where masqueraders are beautifully adorned in their costumes and parade through a guided route.
On Kadooment Day, the first feathers and sequins make their appearance in Bridgetown along with the first rays of light of the day. In the distance, one can already hear the bass sound from the huge trucks’ speakers that will resonate in a few moments at the sound of the latest Soca hits, while thousands of masqueraders follow behind them.
But beware, if you want to be one of those, you should know that to participate in the parade, you must register with a band a few months prior and select your costume from the different options of the chosen theme. Some of the bands include Baje International, Aura Experience, Zulu International and Krave The Band to name a few. Some bands are so popular that they attract several hundred people.
When you register, you will then receive a bracelet that will give you – among other benefits – unlimited access to the bar and toilets, entry to parade with the band, maximum fun and security guaranteed.
Crédit photos : © Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
Tens of thousands of splendid feathered creatures join you in a bewitching mix of colors and music that only Barbados can deliver. This excited flock of paradise birds engage in dance moves that challenge the limits of vertebrates’ flexibility. Not even the blazing sun, the rain and the refreshing interludes that alternate throughout the day could dampen the genuine energy of this joyful crowd. But just when you’ll think you’ve seen it all – if you’re lucky – maybe you’ll get a chance to see her perched atop her truck. You won’t believe your eyes and yet it’s her… Rihanna! Yes, the international mega-star generally takes advantage of this moment of popular jubilation to make an appearance on the land of her childhood. This added bonus is what makes Crop Over even more special and a great memory to last a lifetime.
So, what’s stopping you? Book that trip to Barbados now and enjoy the sweetest summer festival in the Caribbean.
Auteur : Edgard Parfait
