The Crop Over Carnival is back In Barbados in 2022?

Crop Over Carnival is back in 2022, and Barbados is welcoming you back to their shores after two years of lockdowns and Social Distancing.

If you’re a fan of Rihanna you’ve probably heard about the Barbados Crop Over festival, the country’s national holiday, which happens every year and lasts from June to August. If you’re headed to this beautiful island, you won’t want to miss the crop over celebration!

The Carnival is an old celebration that dates back many centuries ago when Barbados was the most important sugar producer in the world. The celebration’s beginnings took place in 1780’s, at a time when slavery was present in sugarcane plantations. As the name of the carnival suggests, it began as a way to celebrate the end of the sugar cane harvest.

In this post, ZenBreak has compiled a list of things to do in the Carnival this year, as well as some ideas of where to eat or stay for having an amazing Bajan cultural experience. Happy Carnival!

Things to do at the Crop Over Carnival in Barbados

This year, the festival starts on July 2nd, with the Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, as well as the crowning of the Festival King and Queen, who are the season’s most productive male and female cane cutters.

Crop Over is by far the most important event of the year in Barbados. This comes to no surprise as it welcomes over a hundred thousand people from all over the world each year. If you’re lucky enough to visit the island during this period of time. For this year’s festival here are the top things you should do:

Go To The Bridgetown Market

The Bridgetown Market is an incredible street fair, which is held on the last weekend of the carnival. The market spreads over half of Spring Garden Highway and is filled by plenty of colorful kiosks. There, you will find many local products, such as clothing, jewelry, art, food, and drinks. You will also enjoy live entertainment like stilt walkers, soca and calypso music, local bands, dancers, stilt walkers and the Barbados Landship.

Cohobblopot

Cohobblopot is one of the most exciting events of the carnival, where some of the best bands from Barbados and the Caribbean come to play in a carnival-like show. It features dance performances as well as delicious local food and drinks. You’ll be able to witness the king and queen of the Mas Bands parade and the Kadooment bands exhibiting their elaborate and impressive costumes.

Celebrate At The Crop Over Parties

image of Cohobblopot Crop Over Carnival in Barbados

There are a variety of parties organized during the carnival such as boat parties, breakfast fetes, cooler fetes, the Foreday Morning party, etc. Put your dancing shoes on and get ready to have the time of your life.

A major attraction of the Crop Over event is calypso, which is performed by a variety of artists that join their preferred bands. “Tents” of calypsonians are formed, with the tents being sponsored by various businesses in the island of Barbados. There are various awards and titles up for grabs for calypsonians, including Party Monarch, Sweet Soca Monarch, Road March Monarch, and Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch, to name a few. A couple of the festival’s most popular events include the Party Monarch competition and, more recently, the Sweet Soca competition.

The drinks will be flowing and live performances will keep you dancing to the rhythm. Make sure to buy tickets to the activities you want to attend at least 1 month in advance.

The Pic-O-De-Crop (POC) FinalsCalypso Competition

In the evening, Kensington Oval hosts the Pic-O-De-Crop championship finals, which are immediately followed by the Fore-Day Morning (Jouvert) Jump-Up!.

The POC is a world-renowned musical show where musicians compete for the Calypso Monarch title, a highly sought-after local music award. You’ll be sure to have fun and experience firsthand Barbados’ calypso tradition!

The Grand Kadooment

image of Grand Kadooment Crop Over Carnival in Barbados

The Grand Kadooment serves as the festival’s grand finale! In this carnival procession, big bands with members costumed in extravagant costumes to reflect various themes take part in the festivities. Designers vie for the prestigious Designer of the Year award, but the partygoers appear to be more concerned about having a good time than competing!

The revelers make their way to Spring Garden to the beat of calypso music, which is throbbing in the background. At Spring Garden, the celebration continues with more wonderful music, plenty of food and drink, as well as a brief swim at the nearby Brandons beach, for those who like to partake. A magnificent conclusion to a magnificent event.

If you are traveling with your family, don’t worry!, in the Crop Over Festival children are not forgotten, as they may take part in the Kiddies Kadooment, where they can dress up in gorgeous costumes and march with their pals in a band in front of the competition’s judges at the National Stadium.

Eat Like A Local

image of tides restaurant website — Photo taken from The Tides Restaurant Website.

A trip to Barbados is not complete if you don’t try all the incredible food the island has to offer. Whatsmore, Crop Over is the best time of the year to indulge in local delicacies as there are many stalls serving delicious local meals.

Being an island, Barbados is famous for their fish cakes and fried flying fish. Other delicious Barbados treats include its macaroni pie and pudding n’ souse. Don’t forget to try the Barbadian Banks Beer, Rum, and drink some Bajan Rum Punch as you dance to the beat of the music!

The Tides Restaurant, which is located on the West coast of Barbados near the water’s edge. Its excellent seafood, both locally sourced and imported, ranges from exceptional Fresh Caribbean Grilled Lobster to daily fresh local catch of the day, among other delectable options. Beef tenderloin, chicken, and lamb racks are just a few of the delicious meat items on the menu at this establishment! The vegetarian and vegan diner will also find a wide variety of dishes to enjoy at the restaurant.

Through the culinary and service experience given by The Tides Restaurant and its employees, you can bring any occasion – big or little – to life, or just enhance your trip to Barbados!

If you are looking for a more private experience Fusion Rooftop Restaurant, located on the west coast of Barbados, was created by one of the most renowned interior designers in North America. The ‘alfresco’ design incorporates traditional feng shui principles with the four natural elements to provide the ideal environment for entertaining.

Fusion Rooftop is a high-end restaurant with a casual eating atmosphere. Exclusive and secure elevator access are provided in equal proportion by private elevator access.

Where to stay in Barbados?

It is best to stay in areas that are easily accessible by transportation, which are close to nice beaches and where you can easily get good food and drinks. Most of the activities of the Crop Over will take place in Bridgetown. However, if you don’t want to be at the center of it, you can learn about this beautiful island in our guide to the 11 Parishes of Barbados, and other great areas to stay in according to your needs and expectations.

Zenbreak has many different available vacation rentals in Barbados to accommodate families, big groups, couples and all the in-between. Here is a selection of some of our favorite accommodations:

ZenBreak Mahogany Bay Seashells

Zenbreak Seashells is a charming three-story mansion located on Barbados’ picturesque Paynes Bay coastline. Seashells offers a spacious covered verandah and open-air deck that allows guests to enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and lush tropical landscape from the comfort of their own homes. Seashells was recently remodeled with outdoor living in mind.

A private gate leads straight to the gentle sands of the bay, which may be accessed immediately from the deck. The decor is Caribbean chic, with warm colors and flashes of local art incorporated into the design throughout the space. The decor is Caribbean chic, with warm colors and flashes of local art incorporated into the design throughout the space.

ZenBreak La Lune

ZenBreak La Lune is a vibrant and light-filled home, executed with striking simplicity yet flawless quality, set within expansive, tropical grounds with the sparkling ocean as its neighbour.

A bright and breezy palette of minimalist whites and understated luxury offers a bijou environment; sleek open-plan contemporary spaces, delightfully unfussy and unadorned, make for a chic and tranquil abode with a wonderful, upbeat Caribbean ease throughout.

With almost an acre of mysterious and vegetation-rich grounds, a bubbling hot tub, and views of the ocean framed by swaying palm trees and charming deck space, outdoor living is stylishly executed. Sitting back with rum cocktails at the end of a busy day, slipping into the hot tub, or enjoying the sun setting over the ocean will be about as good as it gets.

The interiors at La Lune are tasteful and timeless, offering the ultimate serenity. This space is infused with understated style. A contemporary kitchen offers glossy white surfaces and sleek, industrial metals, with a relaxed breakfast bar leading into a charming living room, sedate yet cosy with driftwood furnishings and a tranquil, earthy palette.

Two gracious bedrooms are flawlessly finished, with hotel-grade bedlinen, abundant natural light, and designer flair. They are serene havens of tranquillity. All the modern touches are in place: Apple TV Sonos and a security alarm.

La Lune is a newly renovated home which blends European sophistication with Bajan ease; ideal for entertaining – it comes with a fully equipped bar, wine fridge, ice-maker and an assortment of cocktail blending tools.

The location speaks for itself at La Lune; effortlessly and understatedly stylish, this is a discreet abode hallmarked by quality and subtle design; a veritable retreat from the hedonism of the glitterati and star-studded flavour of the west coast, this is a place for rejuvenation, wellness, and mindfulness.

Southwinds Beach House

ZenBreak Southwinds Beach House is a newly restored three-bedroom beachfront home situated on Gibbs Beach’s vibrant white sands. Air conditioning, ceiling fans, and en-suite baths are provided in each of the three guest bedrooms.

The main suite has its own, lovely terrace with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. There is also a lounge with a sea view, bar amenities, and a refrigerator. The house has 3500 square feet of living space, which is ideal for entertaining friends and family.

ZenBreak KingsGate #1

ZenBreak KingsGate #1 is a two-bedroom fully air-conditioned townhouse that boasts a modern interior with a fully equipped kitchen. The ground floor consists of two air-conditioned Double King Master Suites with en suite bathrooms and large doors that open into the garden. The laundry area has a washer and dryer.

The 1st floor is also air-conditioned and has an open plan kitchen, living room, and dining area, as well as a powder room and a covered outdoor terrace for dining or relaxing. The modern kitchen is fully equipped with high-end appliances, a breakfast bar, and granite countertops. There are also ceiling fans throughout the unit.

The roof deck is perfect for relaxing under the umbrella, sunbathing, alfresco dining, or grilling on the BBQ.

Stroll down the well-manicured garden pathway to the communal pool area and lounge on the sunbeds. There is also a gazebo and an outdoor shower to rinse off the beach sand.

The private pathway to the beach is next to the building. You will be at the famous Gibbs Beach within 3 minutes to enjoy your days at the beach. And there you have it, all you need to know to enjoy the Crop Over Festival 2022!. Remember that you can click this link to discover our selected and complete list of vacation rentals in Barbados to find the perfect accommodation to meet all the needs of your next vacation to this amazing island in the Caribbean.

The Crop Over Carnival is back In Barbados in 2022?