Barbados’ 50th Crop Over Festival Officially Launches 6 July at the Botanical Gardens

Barbados’ 50th Crop Over Festival will officially open with the ‘Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes’ at the National Botanical Gardens on 6 July 2024.

This highly symbolic event marks the end of the sugar cane season, and is the public launch of the island’s biggest cultural event which culminates with Kadooment Day on Monday 5 August.

At a recent media launch, chief cultural officer at the National Cultural Foundation, Andrea Wells, said the highly anticipated last canes ceremony will include a modern and traditional parade with over 250 participants, and is set to be an “unforgettable celebration of our heritage”.

She added: “This signals the start of the Crop Over Festival and is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate everything Bajan. The Bajan Culture Village will feature cuisine, arts and crafts, workshops, and performances. 

“The traditional Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes parade will revive events like the Promenade and the Decorated Cart Parade. You can also experience the Plantation Feast, take in the Mobile Museum, and much more. We start at 2pm and this is a free event!”

Patrons will pay $50 (BBD) to enjoy the Plantation Feast consisting of Bajan and Nigerian delicacies prepared by renowned chefs Mervyn Applewhite and Oyigoja Lifu Patience.

During the event, 12 popular Crop Over stalwarts - Al Gilkes, Alison Gittens, Charles Ashby, Chetwin Stewart, David Leslie, Dorsie Boyce, G. Addington Forde, Jennifer Sealy, John Sealy, Merle Niles, Merville Lynch, and Nigel Harper - will be honoured for their stellar contributions to the festival. 

Three sugar workers; Dite Best, Junior Franklin, and Dorcas Sam, will also receive special recognition for their work.

Sources: The National Cultural Foundation and Barbados Today.