Crop Over Festival 2017

As a forever sunny and happy place to be, Barbados spreads the joy even more during their Crop Over Festival. Taking place from May until August, this incredible celebration has something for everyone and really emphasises the Barbadian way of life; full of colour, sun and smiles!

Crop Over Festival 2017

The Crop Over Festival is the most colourful and popular in the Caribbean and attracts thousands of people from all over the globe, including Barbadians who no longer live on the island. 

With origins dating back to the 1780's, the festival has deep set roots and is an important celebration to the people who live here. 

Barbados was the largest producer of sugar in the world, way back in the 18th century. The festival marked the end of a successful sugar cane harvest and became a huge tradition.

In the 1940's, the sugar industry declined sharply along with the success rate of the harvests produced. The Crop Over Festival eventually stopped altogether.

In 1974, the festival was revived and incorporated other Bajan cultural elements, really bringing the island together and showing the world what it was all about. 

Opening Ceremony & Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes

Being the very beginning of the celebrations, this is where the King & Queen of the Festival are crowned. This is judged by which male and which female has been the most productive cane cutters of the season.

Bridgetown Market

Running right the way through the festival, this incredible market features local food and beverages as well as arts and crafts to show off the unique Barbadian artistic flair. Calypso and Soca music is a major part of the celebrations and can be heard the whole time. 

Cohobblopot

A huge carnival like show where members of Kadooment bands display their amazing costumes and perform to packed audiences down the coast. 

Kiddies Kadooment

Children will never feel left out of the festivities and have their own mini version where they can show off their costumes and bands and parade for judges.

Calypso

Calypso is a major feature of Barbadian life and the Crop Over Festival.

Organised into tents, the groups are sponsored by Barbados businesses and compete for awards, prizes and coveted titles including 'Party Monarch', 'Sweet Soca Monarch' and 'Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch'.
The Pic-O-De-Crop is held at the Kensington Oval and is followed by the Fore Day Morning Jump Up.

Grand Kadooment

The finale of the festival features an incredible carnival parade featuring large bands in elaborate and often themed costumes. Designers can compete for the 'Designer of the Year' award and audiences are thrilled by the wild music, delicious food and drink and of course, the beach is always close by!

Have we tempted you to visit this Caribbean paradise yet?
Why not talk to one of our specialist Barbados villa & apartment experts today:

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Our Top Reasons Why Barbados is the Best Caribbean Island!

With it's glorious white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets, Barbados is one of the world's most desirable destinations. A rich and fascinating history combined with some incredibly varied culture and the friendliest locals, we would recommend a trip to the Bajan island to everyone!

Here are our Top Reasons Why Barbados is the Best Caribbean Island

The Food

Barbados includes a wide variety of unique and diverse flavours with influences taken from all over the world including Africa, India and England. The island has so many restaurants to choose from and you're sure to find culinary delights on every corner from five star fine dining to locally run businesses, excelling in authentic cuisine.

Waterfront Restaurants; a dream view over dinner.

Flying Fish; a famous Bajan delicacy!

Rum!

Rum is a massive part of the culture in Barbados. Perfected during the 17th century, there are more than 1,500 roadside bars along the island and they're incredibly proud of their product. Rum tours and local distilleries are an interesting look into the historical side of the Bajan tipple. Mount Gay Rum is the oldest rum brand in the world, established in 1703. 

Just one of the many rum bars you're sure to encounter!

Mount Gay; 'The rum that invented rum.'

The Culture

Barbados has a fascinating historical, ecological and archaeological background. Some of the buildings are built with pink and white coral and the island is steeped with colonial history, adding some extra depth to your visit. St Nicholas Abbey is a 350 year old property that served as a sugar plantation and is a well-preserved historical residence. 

St Nicholas Abbey; the grounds & exterior

The People

When you speak to anyone who's visited Barbados, there will always be a mention about the people who live there. The locals are warm and welcoming to tourists, something that isn't seen as much in other destinations. The majority are friendly, laid back and happy-go-lucky which just adds to the atmosphere of this slice of paradise.

When in Barbados, do as the locals do!

The Nightlife

Whilst the locals on the island are laid back, they still know how to party. Barbados' nightlife is as exciting as you'd imagine. Plenty of bars and clubs fill the skies with music and laughter. St Lawrence's Gap (also known as the Gap) has everything from Irish pubs to Italian bistros and lots of live music. Holetown is on the west side of the island whilst 2nd Street in St James provides even more to choose from!

Crop Over Festival

The most popular and colourful festival dates back to the 1780's and marks the success of a sugar cane harvest. Spreading through May to August, this beautiful celebration is full of music, dancing, arts and crafts and street fares. It's also the perfect place to spot celebrities with Rihanna, Lewis Hamilton and more being spotted enjoying the festivities. 

Crop Over Festival; a sea of laughter, music and dance!

The Perfect Opportunity for Celebrity Spotting!

The Sea Turtles

With a very healthy population of leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles, Barbados is home to these beautiful creatures and if you're lucky enough, you can see these critters hatch from their eggs and make their way down to the beach and into the sea!

Watch a truly memorable experience when the babies hatch

Snorkeling with sea turtles sounds perfect to us!

The Beaches

Barbados has approximately 60 beaches all boasting pristine, white sand and crystal clear, naturally clean waters. If you're after more sun bathing, gentle swimming and wind-surfing then the Platinum Coast is the best place. Surfing is perfect in East Coast where the Soup Bowl is located. 

So many things to do!

Have we planted the seed for a perfect Bajan trip?
Take a look at our exclusive portfolio of luxury villas and apartments or speak to one of our expert Barbados property consultants today:

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+44 (0) 1244 629 963