Crop Over Festival is a cultural extravaganza, an explosion of creative energy of the Barbadian people, rooted deeply in the traditions arising out of the plantation experience. Introduced in the early 1970's as a formally structured event the Crop Over Festival begins officially around mid July and climaxes on the first day of August, Kadooment Day. The festival has grown in scale with each ,passing year, to the point where it attracts multiple thousands of visitors from tha Caribbean and around the world; particularly from North in addition to many thousands from among all strata in Barbados.

The Crop Over Festival takes the form of a series of national events or celebrations, including the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, The Fine Craft Exhibition, The Crop Over Promenade, The Bajan Cultural Village, Bridgetown Market, Cohoblopot, The Pick a De Crop Competition, The Party Monarch Competition and Grand Kadooment. In addition, there are localized events within various communities across the island. The build up to the official launching of Crop Over begins with the opening of the calypso tents, generally during the first week of June.

The events of the Crop Over Festival are spectacles of colour, sounds and images not easily forgotten. Those who savour the diverse forms of the island's cultural expression, experience intense pleasure and satisfacton. Many persons, including Barbadians residing overseas and non-nationals keep returning to the island every year for the festival.The Crop Over Festival is more than just another event. It is a spontaneous outburst of cultural expression of the Barbadian people. As such it represents the creative spirit and identity of the Barbadian nation. It is an outgrowth of things deeply rooted in the nation's spirit.

Back to top of page