The Crop Over festival is Barbados’ most popular and colorful celebration of the year. Its origins can be traced back to the 1780s when Barbados was the world’s largest sugar producer.
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 Festival.
The sugar industry’s decline in Barbados led to a corresponding reduction in the Crop Over festival. In the 1940s, the island ultimately terminated the festival; however, it was revived in 1974, infusing other elements of Barbadian cultural festivities to create the extravaganza it is today. It is an event that attracts thousands of people from across the globe.
Foreday Morning Jam has an electric atmosphere, and over 20,000 people participate in the event! It usually kicks off around 1 a.m. on Saturday and lasts until the wee hours of the morning, essentially till sunrise. Thousands of partygoers parade behind music trucks blasting soca and calypso music.
Foreday Morning Jam is what other Caribbean Carnivals call J’ouvert. Like J’ouvert, this street party has revelers get covered in paint, mud, powder, or water. Moreover, everyone is a target, and no shirt stays clean!
The parade route (about 1.9 miles) is shorter than Kadooment Day and begins in Bridgetown, continues along Princess Alice Highway, and finishes at Spring Garden Highway.
While there are many bands to choose from, prepare to have fun as we “jump” (participate with) Colorz! Get ready for a messy time through the streets of Bridgetown! If that seems like too much to handle, don’t worry. There will be a point in the route for those ready to rest their feet and head back to the hotel. There is no need to feel stressed or overwhelmed to complete the entire course when we still have Grand Kadooment!
The finale of the Barbados Crop Over is 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. Over the years, these types of Caribbean island festivals have become soulful events of fascinating memories. At the same time, the revelers are intent on having a good time! As revelers make their way to Spring Garden accompanied by the pulsating rhythm of calypso music, the Caribbean themed party continues with more fantastic music. With plenty of food and drinks, it is sure to be great time!
For Grand Kadooment, we partner with Colorz! With food, drinks, music, and air-conditioned transportation, prepare for the best party on the island complete in full costume for all to see! Starting around mid-day, enjoy the day’s festivities with the 6-mile parade route. Again, don’t fret! There are trucks for you to rest in and mobile restrooms. Take in all the excitement and pace yourself as you immerse yourself in the experience of one of the Caribbean’s most popular celebrations!
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