Barbados Crop Over Print E-mail

Crop Over is slightly different from other Caribbean style festivals since it is centred around the harvest period and not that of Lent. Many other festivals come from European influences that gained a taste of Africa due to slave imports.

Crop Over began its life in Barbados and was a cultural gift from those brought to the island in order to work the sugar cane plantations under colonial reign. To put a precise finger on its origins, the Crop Over celebration began in 1688, making it one of the oldest celebrations of its kind. Original features of Crop over including dancing, singing, the greased pole climb, traditional music and the slightly less responsible drinking competitions. Crop Over was a very literal title given to a celebration marking the end of the sugar cane harvest. This grew into a much bigger and wider ranging festival, similar to ones found in Trinidad.

Barbados Crop Over Dates & Location

Crop Over begins in June and doesn't end until the first Monday of August with the Grand Kadooment. Believe it or not, life resembles one giant party for many of the islanders during this two month period. The major event of Crop Over has to be the Calypso music competitions and performances.

Calypso music is a mixture of rhythm and wit which allows performers to satirise local politics and social affairs. The Calypso Monarch Award is a much sought after title and the competition is said to be fierce in pursuit of this title. To add to this are craft markets, stalls and a huge selection of authentic cuisine. There are thousands of visitors each year and there is something for everyone to do and keep themselves entertained with.

If you want to take part then there is the People's Monarch competition in which each group is given two songs and the public vote until a winner is chosen. The setting for this competition is the Ermy Bourne Highway where the atmosphere is thick with music, cooking smells and festivity.

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