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Crop Over-Barbados Carnival

Crop Over is a five-week summer festival in Barbados, commencing in July, where the end of the local sugar cane crop harvest is celebrated.  As the last cart carrying cane was taken into the mill a slave would beat a gong to announce the start of the Crop Over which was followed by dancing, loud singing and feasting. The festival originated in the 1780's, a time when the Plantation System was ruled and Barbados was the world's largest producer of sugar.

The festival was abandoned in the 1940’s due to the steep decline of the Barbadian sugar industry, global economic troubles and the world war but was revived in 1974 and the traditional aspects of the festival have been fused with modern parties, music, costume designs etc. Here are some of the events of the five weeks of celebration that every fun lover should experience at least once in their lifetime:
 
The celebrations begin with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the crowning of the king and queen of the crop. This is the ceremony where the harvest is officially pronounced closed and the king and queen are crowned. The King and Queen are the most productive male and female cane cutters of the season.

  Also on the schedule the Cart Parade. This is a procession of decorated donkey carts, vehicles of all types and persons dressed in colourful costumes.

Bridgetown Market is held on a Saturday and Sunday and consists of several stalls which sell local food and beverages, local arts and crafts and also highlights local talent. You can enjoy the music and the live bands as you enjoy the exhibition by the locals.

Calypso Tent Shows are non-stop throughout the period of the Crop Over period.  Being one of the main features of the festival the Calypso attracts a large audience. Calypsonians are group into tents; some of the more popular bands include House of Soca, Pioneers, Bacchanal Time, Conquerers, Untouchables and Stray Cats .There are several titiles up for grabs including Party Monarch, the Road March Monarch and the Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch and a host of other prizes.

Fetes occur on a daily basis and can run all night until daylight in some cases. You are certain to find a fete in St. Lawrence Gap any night of the week or at hotspots all over the island.

Cohobblopot is a huge carnival-like show where members the kings and queens of the year's costume bands have the opportunity to show off their stunning and elaborate costumes. Most of the popular calypsonians and bands also perform for the packed audience.

There is also a Kiddies Kadooment where children participate by donning beautiful costumes and creating their own bands with friends to parade before the judges of the competition.

The Grand Kadooment is the grande finale of the weeks of festivities and is a spectacular parade featuring large bands with its members dressed in their themed inspired costumes. There are many costumed bands to choose from for both locals and foreigners and even a competition for the costume of the year. The revelers start from the National Stadium and head to Spring Garden all the while being accompanied by the pulsating rythym of calypso music beaming from the massive speakers of the huge trucks. After reaching Spring Garden, the party madness continues with more fantastic music and tons of food and beverages. This is truly a fitting way to end such a massive festival.

http://www.barbadoscropoverfestival.com/
                                                                           

Crop_ Over-Barbados_ Carnival 
Crop_ Over-Barbados_ Carnival 
  
Crop_ Over-Barbados_ Carnival 
Crop_ Over-Barbados_ Carnival 

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