If you are heading to Barbados in 2018 or even planning an exciting trip to the Caribbean hotspot, the Grand Kadooment is an event not to be missed over the summer. Part of the colourful Crop Over Festival, the final part of the carnival is not to be missed if you are heading to the island in August. We’ve brought you all the information you need to know about the festival if you’re planning on visiting next year!
The History of Crop Over
The Crop Over Festival runs across a weekend in July/August time from Friday to Monday. This busy festival on the island of Barbados celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest. Arts, culture, music and costumes are what make the colourful carnival unmissable. From the opening gala to the Grand Kadooment, this is an unforgettable experience on the island of Barbados you will want to attend!
Masquerading had been an African tradition where locals would parade in extravagant masks and costumes to bring good luck. Starting on the Friday with the Opening Gala, the two most productive sugar cane cutters of the season are crowned King and Queen, this marks the begging of the festival. Across the weekend, numerous events take place and locations become populated with food, drink and entertainment.
Bridgetown market is the home to stalls selling food, drink and local arts and crafts. With the calypso and soca music still playing, walking through the market can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Even if this is the only part of the carnival you get involved with, you will still see the Bajan culture and upbeat vibe the island has to offer.
The Grand Kadooment
The festival finale at the end of the weekend is the show stopping Grand Kadooment, also known as Kadooment day! Starting at 8am on the Monday, the atmosphere is immense right from the beginning. If you are a tourist looking for a relaxing day in Barbados, this will not be for you, but if you are up for exploring new cultures and a party, you will be in your element. This parade part of the carnival is where bands are featured and everyone dresses to impress in their most elaborate costumes. ‘Designer of the Year’ is decided as designer’s battle for this title through their bold costumes. Children of Barbados take part in their own ‘Kiddie Kadooment’ showing off their beautiful costumes as they join the parade in the begging before judges of the competition come in. The party then leads down to Spring Garden with music and rhythm until everyone ends up on the beachfront. Here, the party comes to an end with food, drink, music and fireworks to represent the happiness of the carnival. Celebrities such as Rhianna even turn up to the big event!
If you find yourself in Barbados during the Crop Over festival you are definitely in for a surprise and energetic experience making your time in the Caribbean unforgettable. There is something for everyone during the festival weekend and you are more than certain to have a good time. Check out our Facebook page for more global events you wouldn’t want to miss!