Are you going to Crop Over in Barbados? Well, here’s a quick guide to the Crop Over Barbados 2025 schedule, Crop Over Barbados bands, music, things to do and more.
Crop Over In Barbados Dates & History
The Crop Over Season for 2025 is extensive almost lasting a whole month with events even starting before, however the peak of Crop Over season is marked by a week of events such as cultural shows, J’ouvert into the Parade of Bands:
- ForeDay Morning Jam (Saturday, August 2nd, 2025)
- Grand Kadooment Day/Parade of the Bands (Monday August 4th, 2024).
-
- Recommended dates of travel to get a balance of parties, culture, sightseeing, the parade and more are Thursday to Tuesday.
The history of Crop Over starts and is characterized via slavery/emancipation as the way to signify the end of the harvest season across the Caribbean. Barbados was one of the biggest producers of cane sugar in the region and upon the ending of harvest came celebration for a successful harvest season. After a decline in sugar production across the Caribbean, the celebration was revived in the 1970’s and has evolved in what it is today. Read more on the history and evolution of Crop Over in Barbados here.
Getting To Barbados For Crop Over
-
-
- Airport code is BGI for Grantley Adams International Airport.
- The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown. The people of Barbados are called Bajans or Barbadians.
- Currency is 2 BBD to 1 USD.
- Weather tends to be extremely hot during the summer months in Barbados.
- Flights from the East coast average from 3-6 hours from major cities.
-
What To Pack For Crop Over
July/August must be the hottest months on the island of Barbados because the heat can get really intense. For parties/events, I recommend packing light, loose clothing, shorts, dresses, sandals. For carnival here’s a list of carnival accessories and carnival shoes you can wear with your costume.
Where To Stay In Barbados For Crop Over
Here are some popular hotels along the south coast that are in proximity to beaches, the national stadium as well as locations for parties/events and popular tourist attractions.
-
-
- Sugar Bay Barbados
- Hilton Barbados
- Southern Palms Beach Club
- Coconut Court Beach Hotel
- The Soco Hotel
- Sweetfield Manor
- Butterfly Beach Hotel
- Ocean Blue Resort
- Surfers Bay Resort
- South Gap Hotel
- CourtYard By Marriott, Barbados
- Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados
- South Beach Hotel
- Sandals Barbados
- Sandals Royal Barbados
- Accra Beach Hotel & Spa
- Sandy Lane Hotel
-
Areas for Airbnbs/Rentals
-
-
- Maxwell Hill
- Worthing
- St. Lawrence
- Hastings
-
Getting Around in Barbados
The best way to get around during Crop Over is by hiring a personal driver or taxi. There is also public transportation that’s accessible.
Music
One of the most important things to note about Crop Over in Barbados is the music. Yes, it’s soca but a specific type of bashment soca or calypso that has it’s own special feel due to the culture, accents and local stories. Some musicians to look out for are:
-
-
- HypaSounds
- Krosfyah
- Father Philis
- Edwin Yearwood
- Lil Rick
- Rupee
- Peter Ram
- Alison Hinds
- Imani Ray
- Stiffy
- Porgie & Murda
- Saddis
- Jus Jay King
- King Bubba
- Marvay
- Mikey Mercer
-
Getting A Costume/Participating on Kadooment Day
Kadooment Day & Bands (Costume Bands)
These are just a few Grand Kadooment Day bands that people can find Crop Over costumes:
ForeDay Morning & Bands
ForeDay Morning is Barbados’ Jouvert morning typically held during the wee morning hours on Saturday. Here are a few foreday morning bands to consider:
Crop Over Parties & Events
Crop Over in Barbados hosts a whole plethora of different cultural events and parties. Make sure to check out The National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, TicketLinkz and Barbados Crop Over Festival. Events/tickets tend to go on sale months prior to the Crop Over celebrations.
Things To Do During Crop Over in Barbados
If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of tours, check out my Viator BucketList for Barbados; but here’s some musts that you have to try while in Barbados
-
-
- A visit to Chefette
- Friday nights at Oistins
- Try Flying Fish or any kind of seafood in Barbados (pictured below king fish & breadfruit)
- Try Mauby- a local (drink) if you have an acquired taste
- Visit Harrison’s Caves
- Visit Rihanna’s childhood home
- Take a Submarine Ride
- Visit the stunning Barbados’ beaches
- Miami Beach
- Crane Beach
- Bathsheba Beach
- Pebbles Beach
- Dover Beach
- Bottom Bay Beach
-
