Crop Over is here! That was clear yesterday as hundreds of performers paraded from Golden Square Freedom Park to Queen’s Park in The City, where the Opening Gala And Ceremonial Delivery Of The Last Canes was held.
The procession got off to a slightly late start. It departed Golden Square around 3:15 p.m. went onto Probyn Street, Lower Bay Street, circled to Independence Square, over Charles Duncan O’neal Bridge, went on to Constitution Road and made their way to the main gate at Queen’s Park.
However, once the procession got over the initial delays, it brought the capital to life.
The infectious rhythms and beats of numerous tuk bands and the sweet soca tunes played by the Zouave Band and Barbados Cadet Corps Band echoed across the town.
Some actors executed a symbolic re-enactment of the last sugar cane harvest with cane cutters who wore colourful and traditional dress.
Traditional characters such as the Mr Harding effigy, stilt walkers and shaggy bears also took part.
Symbolic re-enactment Students from the schools’ Landship Programme, stick-lickers and cheerleaders also added to the spectacle.
There was a symbolic re-enactment of the last sugar cane harvest with cane cutters who were colourful in their traditional dress. Energetic members of the Sons of God Apostolic Church were also a part of the procession.
The breezy and sunny conditions were perfect for the parade and the spectators who lined the streets.
They could not help but stop, stare and record the action on their cellphones and tablets.
After parade participants arrived at
Queen’s Park, they joined Government officials and other spectators who were gathered to witness the cultural presentations, workshops, demonstrations and take in the music while indulging in food and drinks.
In addition, stalwarts of the cultural industries and agricultural workers were awarded for their contributions to culture and the festival.
Chair of the National Cultural Foundation, Dr Jasmine Babb, who spoke on the main stage which was set up on the Spartan Playing Field, explained the significance of the awards as she thanked the awardees for their service.
“These are men and women who have laboured in the fields, contributed to our national story and helped to lay the foundation for what we now call the Crop Over Festival.
“We [also] celebrate the Crop Over stalwarts whose work has preserved and enriched the traditions that continue to make this festival a vibrant expression of Barbadian identity.
“Their contributions to community development, youth engagement and leadership aligned with the very values that Crop Over seeks to uphold,” she said.
While a lot of the action took place on the main stage, there was also a kids play park; a mobile health unit and representation from the National Library and Archives Department.
A floodlight tattoo by the officers of the Barbados Police Service and the Grand Finale Concert were set for later that evening.
Junior Monarchs Shakara and Mr Showman, along with soca stars, including Edwin Yearwood, The Most Honourable Stedson RPB Wiltshire, Cultural Ambassador Alison Hinds, Timmy, Peter Ram, Mr Blood, Lil Rick, TC, AC, Biggie Irie, Grynner and many others were scheduled to perform at the concert. (TG)
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