The life of the Barbadians is measured, but it is quite diverse and full of various cultural festivities. Every year the island hosts festivals dedicated to agricultural and cinematic events. The Harvest Festival, or Crop Over, is the main festival in Barbados , which takes place in late July and early August. It is about him that will be discussed in our article.
In the 18th century, as early as colonial times black slaves worked on the plantations of the island. One of the owners of the land arranged a holiday on the occasion of the end of agricultural work. This event was first recorded in 1798. Other planters also followed the example of the landowner. So there was a custom of a break for a good dinner, which went to the celebration of the end of the sugar cane harvest season. Revived the tradition since 1974, to attract tourists to the island.
Features of the celebration
The Crop Over Festival begins with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes (the solemn presentation of the last cane). In colonial times, Barbados peasants folded the last bunches of sugar cane, decorating them with flowers. The man, closing the column of the reed gatherers, was carrying the reed stuffed of Mr. Harding, which was solemnly burned. It was assumed that the ritual of burning would improve the lives of people. This tradition has survived until now.
The current harvest festival in Barbados lasts three weeks and is an exotic mix of music shows, culinary fights, costumed parades, exhibitions, sales of folk craft and salutes. The main feature of the holiday is music in the style of calypso. These Caribbean motifs with African notes accompany tourists throughout the festival. As part of the event, the Pic-o-de-Grosp musical competitions take place. Musicians are divided into groups, organizing so-called "tents". Participants compete for the title of King and Queen of the feast. Local businessmen will sponsor these competitions.
An exciting spectacle is the semi-final of the Pic-o-de-Groop competition, when musicians play in the open air against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Spectators, settling on relief slopes with sets for picnics, watch the performance. The final of the contest is held at the National Stadium of Barbados . Undoubtedly, the final event of the festival is worthy of attention - the costume parade of Grand Kadooment. Participants in this parade are dressed in original thematic costumes, and the procession itself resembles a design competition. The dressed column passes from the stadium to Spring Garden under the cheerful national calypso melodies. At the end of the procession, the celebration on the beach continues with songs and rhythmic dances.
During the harvest festival in Barbados, the Jazz Festival is held. This is a grand concert in a huge park under the night stars in Farley Hill . Also there are competitions on cricket and Barbados tournaments on surfing . The celebration ends on the first Monday of August on the eve of the state holiday on the island of Kadooment Day.
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