Barbados - Crop Over Edition

While we’re sure you’re familiar with the island of Barbados, you may not be aware of why this Caribbean island hits its peak in tourism for a few weeks every summer season. It’s known for picturesque beaches with white sand and bright turquoise waters, but what many people don’t know is that the island has so much more to offer than just a beautiful coastline. With a blend of West African and British cultures, there is so much diversity to experience within every aspect of this magical island. 

The energy is just as lively during Crop Over as the colorful attire. Photo from Tara Donaldson for CNN Travel.

‘Crop Over’ also known as ‘Kadooment’ is an annual local tradition with a vibrant festival full of calypso music, masquerade bands, and pure contagious energy. The celebration usually falls in the window between late June and early August, making this one of the best times of the year to visit Barbados. The entire island embraces the Carnival spirit, making the elated vibrations tangible. With a great number of festivities taking place over the course of these two weeks, it’s almost impossible not to thoroughly have a good time. From street ‘fetes’ and dusk till dawn parties to festivals full of both feathers and paint, you’ll experience it all. 

Crop Over has been around for over 200 years and began as a way to celebrate the end of the local sugar cane harvest. This authentic celebration of Bajan culture and heritage never fails to attract thousands of tourists each year. People come from all over the world to experience the true Barbados lifestyle; a time when the island is in full swing. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of Rihanna who returns every few years to partake in her home country’s special tradition. 

While there are endless festivities that take place over the course of these couple of weeks, the ones you simply can’t miss are; Cohobblopot, Foreday Morning, and Grand Kadooment. Cohobblopot is essentially a concert-like festival that showcases the best music artists in Barbados and from the surrounding islands in the Caribbean; it also features dance acts and carnival costumes that are sure to keep you entertained. Foreday Morning is similar to what other Caribbean islands call ‘Jouvert’. This is a street party where you cover yourself and others in paint, mud, powder, or water (or a chaotic combination of some sort). We’re not saying you won’t leave the party looking like a mess, but at least you’ll have one of the best memories of your trip. And finally, if there’s only one festival that is an absolute must– no ifs ands or buts–, make sure it’s Grand Kadooment. This is a full day of feathers, beads, and bikinis that everyone’s been waiting for. This is the ultimate finale to the crop over the season; the day that most closely resembles other Caribbean islands’ carnival festivals. Expect a long, but incredible day of jumping, dancing and drinking under the sun. Show off your costume, enjoy the local music, and if the heat gets too much to handle, join the many other party-goers that end up in the ocean at Brandon’s Beach. 

Like we said, the best place to cool off after a day of dancing under the Caribbean sun. Photo from Barbados.org.