BARBADOS
Barbados is the most eastern island in the Caribbean and is a tiny dot on most world maps with a population of about 270,000 - which
is quite high considering its size. With 97 kilometres (60 miles) of coastline, Barbados has much to offer its visitors in terms of water
sports and beach activities. As a coral island pushed out of the seas by volcanic activity a very long time ago Barbados boasts of coral
shore beaches of fine white sand that stretch along a blue-green sea particularly along its South and West Coasts. Coral reefs fringe
the Barbados shoreline to provide excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. While along the island's East Coast a lively surf is created by
the strong and constant trade winds making those waters perfect for surfing. This constant breeze of the trade winds give Barbados a
mild and pleasant tropical climate which is perfect for not only water sports but also golf, polo, cricket, football and many other sporting
activities available on the island. But we cannot speak about Barbados without mentioning partying and shopping! With several nightclubs, restaurants and bars to
chose from, there truly is never a dull moment in Barbados; while the duty free policy of the country can make shopping sprees on the
island a joy! Essentially, Barbados is a very beautiful island, with lots of art, activities, night life, music, history and some of the best
restaurants to be found anywhere. But what makes Barbados even more special, and the reason why so many visitors keep returning
to the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians, also called Bajans, are warm and friendly souls, always ready to greet you with
a sincere smile. Barbadians make you feel welcome and special, in this lovely Caribbean Island. |
THE CROP OVER FESTIVAL
Crop Over is Barbados' largest cultural
event which takes the form of a colourful
summer festival. Its origins can be traced
back to the 1780's, a time when Barbados
was the world's largest producer of sugar.
At the end of the sugar season, there was
always a huge
celebration to mark the
culmination of another successful sugar
cane harvest - the Crop Over celebration. |
However, the festival was revived in 1974 and other elements of Barbadian culture were Infused to make the extravaganza that exists today- an event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe. The festival begins with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and the crowning of the King and Queen of the Festival - the most productive male and female cane cutters of the season and culminates with Grand Kadooment! This carnival parade features large bands with members dressed in elaborate costumes to depict various themes. Designers compete for the coveted Designer of the Year prize while the revelers seem more intent on having a good time! The revelers make their way to Spring Garden accompanied by the pulsating rhythm of calypso music. When they reach Spring Garden, the party continues with more fantastic music, lots of food and drink and, for some, a quick swim at the nearby beach. |
Other highlights of the Crop Over festival include: Cohobblopot - which is a huge show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate costumes. There is also a huge entertainment package with the most popular calypsonians and bands from Barbados and the rest of the region performing to packed audiences. The children are not left out as they can participate in the Kiddies Kadooment, donning beautiful costumes and joining their friends in a band to parade before the judges of the competition. Folk concerts and Art exhibitions - are integral parts of the festival, highlighting Barbadian history and culture Steel Pan Events - Include Bridgetown Alive Pantabulous, Pan in the City, Pan Pun De Sand and now a premier showcase where Pan meets Jazz at Illaro Court. The Heritage Lecture and West Wing Tour - ushers you into its past, one that holds the stories of some of those stalwarts who decided Barbados' fate, in the Parliament Buildings that are definitely an architectural masterpiece. Calypso - is one of the main features of the Crop Over
festival. The calypsonians are organised into "tents" and these tents are sponsored by
Barbados
businesses. Calypsonians compete for several prizes and titles, including the Party Monarch, the Road March Monarch and the
Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch.
The Party Monarch and more recently the Sweet Soca competition are among the festival's most popular events! |
FOREDAY MORNING JAM
Foreday Morning Jam is an increasingly popula
aspect of Crop Over. Comparable to J'ouvert cele
b rations in other Caribbean islands, the Foreday
Morning Jam in Barbados is a night-time street
party with a parade of organised bands of revellers,
covered in mud and body paint partying through the
streets. |
Foreday Morning Jam is an increasingly popular
aspect of Crop Over. Comparable to J'ouvert
celebrations in other Caribbean islands, the Foreday
Morning Jam in Barbados is a night-time street
party
with a parade of organised bands of revellers,
covered
in mud and body paint partying through the
streets. As one of the many Crop Over Events for the
season it is a precursor to the
Grand Kadooment
Celebrations, offering those who want to play mas
the opportunity to do so, without the heat and long
route of
Kadooment Day. After the jump participants
can go straight to the Sunrise Beach Party- the
Foreday Morning Jam after-party. |
A key factor in the planning of the event is the safety and security of the revellers and the spectators, and as such the route is well lit, the music trucks are fitted with lights and private security is deployed with each group. In addition, the Royal Barbados Police Force is present in its numbers from the start to the finish so as to ensure that the event is enjoyed by all. The National Cultural Foundation also deploys marshals with each band to ensure that a pace is kept that would allow everyone to get their money's worth. The jump's duration is approximately 4hrs - usually 1:30am until 6am (daybreak) and covers a distance of roughly 3.5 km (Bridgetown to Spring Garden Highway). Don't miss this opportunity to join a Foreday Morning Band, enjoy some nice soca music, and sample the island's famous rum and beer in the company of some of the nicest people. |
Naturally we encourage you to experience Foreday Morning with ISLAND FUSION and promise to take very good care of you!
CROP OVER CALENDAR 2011
This year, there are over thirty events on the Crop Over calendar bringing a mixed offering of cultural delights.
