Barbados Crop Over

BARBADOS

CROP OVER FESTIVAL

BY: KAITLIN NARCISO

Beads of sweat glisten on my skin, and a smile is plastered on my face. My whole body is covered with paint from a night of dancing, celebration, and yes paint throwing.

If Crop Over Festival has taught me anything, it is that stepping out of your comfort zone in ways you might never have imagined for yourself, is one of the most rewarding things you can do. As a travel writer I’ve been exposed to many different adventures, many of which test those limits. Crop Over was different as it pushed me in a more mental capacity. Though I enjoy wine with dinner and nights out on the town, Crop Over Festival is a different beast of partying, celebrating, and dancing.

This two hundred year old tradition honors the end of the sugar cane season with a six week festival celebrating all that is Bajan. These weeks lead up to the grand finale, Grand Kadooment Day, where Masquerade Bands parade down the streets of Barbados. Dressed in bright, feathery, and sequined costumes, participants jump behind moving music trucks and bars, rejoicing and reveling in the biggest carnival of the year. Leading up to this big day, Crop Over events occur in all different shapes and sizes. From dusk until dawn there are parties with culinary-driven street fares, and these festivals are a nonstop build up to the climax of the Grand Kadooment.

The Festival Experience

The week prior to Grand Kadooment is filled with exciting events. When Visit Barbados sent over the itinerary for my press trip, I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed. Seeing the late nights and early mornings laid out in front of me I immediately knew the week ahead was going to be like nothing I had ever experienced before. Once in the thick of it all, I realized quickly that this wasn’t a bad thing, and in fact it was an incredible thing.

I knew this trip was going to put me outside of my comfort zone. Every single day I did something a little outside of my zone, and every day it felt as though I was accomplishing a new feat. Starting off strong, the first event of our Crop Over week was Spin Pooch with Spinny and Friends which involved learning some of the traditional styles of dancing, winding and grinding.

Spin Pooch with Spinny and Friends

Giving a whole new meaning to “shake what your mama gave you,” I’m beginning to realize that my mom, though she gave me a beautiful life, did not give me a

booty that can pop as well as the locals. This however certainly didn’t stop me from dancing along to the beat, watching the crowd do their thing, and enjoying myself nonetheless.

Bajan culture is colorful and vibrant. The dancing is what North Americans tend to view as scandalous, but after the initial introduction to the moves, you quickly realize that this style of dance is simply another part of the Barbados culture.

The real fun comes from the atmosphere where everyone is respectful of each other, smiling and laughing, with no judgment. Everyone feels included regardless of your dancing abilities. This party brings the ultimate party vibes to the beach, tapping into an all-inclusive atmosphere. With performers getting the crowd dancing until the wee hours of the morning, it’s easy to kick off your shoes, feel the sand between your toes, and dance the night away.

Mimosa Premium Breakfast Party

I must disclose that this event was nothing like I envisioned it to be. When I read “all-inclusive breakfast party” on the invite, I assumed a sit down breakfast in the beautiful National Botanical Gardens. Reality however was an extremely fun, bubbly filled morning with soda performances on stage, lots of dancing, and an assortment of booze As the bus pulled up to the outdoor venue, loud tunes greeted us. I should have known then that this wasn’t what I had expected. After walking in and grabbing my first drink of the day at an early 8 a.m., I quickly woke up and joined the crowd in front of the stage.

The venue is incredibly stunning with picturesque photo opportunities that pay homage to the flora and fauna of the region.

Native Fore day Morning Fete

I was dreading this event, as the idea of a 2 a.m. wake up call for a 3 a.m. party that goes until 8 a.m. scared me to no end. But

There’s a certain charm to gathering with your friends in the dark cover of night, and staying up until the sun illuminates the sky. Lindsay, Chiara, Brian, Ulf and I arrived with somewhat low energy, however can you blame us? It was 3 a.m.

To provide context, the event takes place at Bushy Park Racetrack. Leveraging moving bars and music trucks with performers, everyone gathers and follows behind the entertainment vehicles dancing the night away.

The crowd is loaded up with paint bottles, and paint is splattered everywhere. On our clothes and streaking through our hair, the paint drips down our bodies in a colourful display of absolute fun. Along the route there are bubble machines, water hoses, and fire performers. The dusk to dawn party awakened every ounce of energy I had conserved, but left me with so much more. I’ve never seen so many tired faces change so brilliantly into happy, laughing smiles as I have at this Fore day Morning celebration.

Grand Kadooment Day

Bright colors, sequins, and feathers parade through Barbados during Grand Kadooment Day. This is the pinnacle of Crop Over and the grand finale, marking the end. The brilliant costumes worn by the masqueraders are designed by different Grand Kadooment Bands. With incredible attention to detail, the outfits are tailor made and absolutely exquisite. From matching head pieces, feather backpacks, and rhinestone bikinis for the women; to beaded harnesses, hats, and shorts for the men; it was incredible to see the masqueraders all come together in a stunning sea of color.

Spectators line the roads to watch as the bands jump through the streets. The road experience is complete with a double decker music truck, a cool down bus, and a moving bar.

The energy flows simultaneously through the crowd and the parade, creating the most electric atmosphere. Though the route is long and the sun is hot, the dancing never stops, and nor do the smiles.

If Crop Over Festival has taught me anything, it is that stepping out of your comfort zone in ways you might never have imagined for yourself, is one of the most rewarding things you can do. As a travel writer I’ve been exposed to many different adventures, many of which test those limits. Crop Over was different as it pushed me in a more mental capacity. Though I enjoy wine with dinner and nights out on the town, Crop Over Festival is a different beast of partying, celebrating, and dancing.