TRAVELERS FLOCK TO BARBADOS TO CELEBRATE THIS YEAR’S CROP OVER FESTIVAL
Lively Celebrations, Bright Costumes and 200 year-old Traditions Pay Homage to the End of the Sugar Cane Season
New York (July 28, 2015) – This summer Barbados invites travelers to live like a local and experience the island’s lively Crop Over Festival, celebrating a 200 year-old tradition that honors the end of the sugar cane season. The six-week festival celebrates all that is Bajan with dusk till dawn parties, arts and crafts markets and a culinary-driven street fare.
“With excitement building from year to year, the Crop Over Festival continues to attract a spirited audience that truly brings the island and its culture to life,” said Petra Roach, BTMI Director, US. “The color, vibrancy and absolute happiness on people’s faces is utterly contagious– whether it is sailing aboard a Jolly Roger cruise, attending the Pic-O-De-Crop finals or painting on eye-catching designs for Foreday morning – there is truly something for everyone.”
Soca Queen, Alison Hinds commented, “I’d like to personally welcome you all to our beautiful island to experience one of the most exciting festivals there is, Crop Over! After your first time, you’ll never miss it again!”
Entering into its final week, locals and travelers are preparing for the highly anticipated finale events encompassing the island’s most colorful and spirited celebrations including:
Friday, July 31st
The night-time street party of Foreday Morning Jam brings out Barbados’ lively spirit with a parade of revelers donning brightly colored body paint. The event signals the start of the street parades where rum and pulsating music fuel the celebrations until dawn.
Monday, August 3rd
Grand Kadooment Day celebrates the end of Crop Over, where Masquerade Bands make their way to Spring Garden highway with revelers dressed in sequin costumes decorated with colorful feathers, jewels and bright accents; dancing behind music trucks and moving bars. The finale of Crop Over’s events makes this the island’s most exciting day of the year. As you will hear Bajans say: “Crop Over – it sweet fuh days!”
Throughout 2015, the island of Barbados is scheduled to host some of the biggest festivals in the Caribbean including: Open Water Festival (November 4-8, 2015) and Food & Wine and Rum (November 2015). Now more than ever jetsetters seeking a sunny retreat will find premium lift options readily available from the U.S. Market. JetBlue will operate a weekly Saturday roundtrip between Boston and Barbados from November 7th, 2015 and from beginning March 2016, the aircraft will change to an A321 Mint configured aircraft offering 16 lie-flat seats. JetBlue previously announced seasonal Mint service to Barbados from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport beginning in November 2015.
About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s “2008 Travelers’ Choice Destination Awards” in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.
