Crop Over

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The colourful festival has been a staple in Bajan culture for decades. Every year, the celebrations begin in July and culminate on Grand Kadooment Day, always celebrated on the first Monday in August.

But where did Crop Over originate from? During the colonial days, there was always a huge celebration at the end of the sugar cane harvest. This continued throughout the years until the 1940s when the sugar industry declined, and, as a result there was no celebration. In 1974, this practice was revived and now, the Crop Over festival attracts visitors from all over the world. Held for five weeks during the summer months, the festival showcases various aspects of Bajan culture with events such as:

Pan Fusion Come and experience the beautiful sounds of the Steel Pan beneath the stars. The incredible experience will be held at the Prime Minister residence; Illaro Court.

Pan Pun De Sand: This show is a display of best local and regional steel band playing on the beach. Fun for the family.This annual event hosted over 7000 patrons last year.There will be local and regional oan groups performing.The grand finale will usually sees a merger between Trinidad and Barbados bands. Event held at Brandons Beach, Springarden Highway.

Pic-O-De Crop Semi Finals: At the semis, each contestant sings two soial commentary calypsos in an order determined by a random draw. (It's a l.o.n.g evening!) Then the best eight calypsonians are selected to go forward to the finals. Start time: 7:00 PM Venue: Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, Wildey, St. Michael

Soca Royale: There are two competitions - the Sweet Soca Monarch and the Party Monarch.The competition is jointly dubbed Soca Royale. Unlike the Calypso Monarch competition, Party Monarch contestants sing only up-tempo party calypsos suitable for jammin' on the road.Start time: 1:00 PM Venue: Bushy Park, St. Philip

Bridgetown Market: You can capture and own a part of Barbados' culture at this lively event as vendors line the Spring Garden Highway with local arts and craft, food and enertertainment.

Pic-O-De-Crop Finals: Nine calypsonians selected by the judges as the best for the year, join last year's winner in this the finale of the annual Calypso Competition.Before a capacity crowd, they each perform two calypsos. Fans scream and dance in the aisles and sometimes on their seats.The nine will compete against Popsicle, last year's winner.This is perhaps the most looked-forward-to event of crop over!Start time: 8:00 PM; Venue: National Stadium, Waterford, St. Michael.

Foreday Morning Jam: This is the latest street party with thousands of revelers jamming behind music trucks in the wee hours of the morning.Known to many as 'Mud Mas' revelers daub themselves with paint and mud and do their best to similarly daub their friends.It's a lot cooler at that time of morning,plenty of food and drink available.This event is expected to attract many bands of registered revellers.  There'll be many 'unregistered' as well! Security will be provided. Start time: 2:00 AM; Venue: Bridgetown Helicopter Pad to Spring Garden Highway

Grand Kadooment: This is the grand finale of the Crop Over Festival. Masquerade bands parade the streets of Barbados with infectious music and dancing and vibrant and colorful costumes depicting various aspects of the country's culture.

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