MAY 31 – SEPTEMBER 6
The Crop Over Festival traces its origins back to the 1780s, when Barbados was the world's largest sugar producer. The end of the sugar cane harvest season was annually marked by a grand celebration - Crop Over.
Over time, as the sugar industry on the island declined, so did the festival tradition, and it ceased in the 1940s. Fortunately, in 1974, Crop Over was revived with the addition of elements of Barbadian culture, transforming it into the distinctive and colorful celebration it is today.
Barbados Harvest 2024 - Events and Activities
The festival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony and the coronation of the King and Queen of Crop Over - once the most productive sugar cane workers.
The highlight will be the exciting Calypso competition, where performers will compete for titles such as Party Monarch, Sweet Soca Monarch, and Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch. The finale of the last will take place at Kensington Oval Stadium followed by the grand carnival procession Fore-Day Morning Jump-Up, which can gather up to 15,000 participants.
Also planned are folk concerts, art exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of Barbados, and local food, drink, souvenirs, and crafts stalls at the Bridgetown market.
Grand Kadooment 2024
The climax of the festival will be the grand parade Grand Kadooment on August 5, 2024. This vibrant carnival procession will bring together large groups of people in lavish costumes, competing for the title of best designer of the year. After the parade, the party will continue in the National Botanical Garden - with music, food, rum, and swimming at the nearby beach.
Children will also take part in the Kiddies Kadooment carnival, marching before the judges.
The festival will last all summer - from May through July, culminating on the first Monday of August.
Take note of Mark Bibby Jackson's book "Unveiling Sustainable Tourism in Barbados" - it reveals how locals are reviving the island's nature after the destructive impact of sugar cane production.
Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of rhythms, colors, and traditions at the vibrant Crop Over 2024 Festival in Barbados!