It’s Crop Over in Barbados. Join Rihanna!

It’s Crop Over in Barbados. Join Rihanna!

Bridgetown, Barbados – May 11, 2016: The streets at downtown of Bridgetown, Barbados 
(Image: Shutterstock)

By Victoria Falk

Crop Over, Barbados’ 3-month-long summer festival, brings more tourists to Barbados than any other time of the year.  According to the Barbados Tourist Board, over 200,000 people flocked to the island in 2018 for Crop Over, with even more visitors expected to arrive this year.  Bajans return home to visit family and friends during this time, while tourists see this as a great time to explore the island.  

The origins of Crop Over can be traced back to slavery time in the 1700s.  Barbados was the worlds’ largest producer of sugar and at the end of the sugar season, there was a huge celebration to mark the end of another successful sugar cane harvest. Thanks to the Barbados Tourist Board and a group of Bajans, the traditional harvest festival evolved into a full-fledged festival, ending with a grand Carnival parade.  What began as a local celebration is now an internationally recognized event bringing people from many parts of the world to Barbados during the summertime. Bajans and tourists, alike, come together to celebrate the island’s music, arts, food, culture, and more.

This year’s Crop Over festival spans from May 4, 2019, to August 5, 2019.  There are plenty of things to do for people with a variety of tastes. Enjoy calypso and soca music, delicious food, live entertainment and more.  Shoppers can enjoy a visit to the Bridgetown Market, where they will find arts and crafts on sale at the street fairs.  

The Grand Finale of the Crop Over festival, Grand Kadooment, takes place on August 5, 2019.  The streets will be filled with excitement, as Bajans and tourists, alike, dance in the streets among beautifully costumed participants in the Carnival parade.  It’s a fun time for all as the bands compete for top prizes. Celebrate the rich history and culture of Barbados. There’s plenty of time to get to Barbados to enjoy Crop Over 2019.

If you need assistance with your travel plans, contact your Personal Travel Planner, Victoria Falk.

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