Revellers, spectators enjoy grand Crop Over climax

Under the sweltering heat and intermittent showers, scores of spectators converged on both sides of the road along the route at Eagle Hall, St Michael some in balconies, others perched precariously on guard walls, taking up every vantage point to get a clear view of Grand Kadooment’s revellery.

It was a sea of costumes as thousands of revellers, some jumping, some chipping, others dancing to the many soca tunes of the 2024 season moved along the route.

Just after 1 p.m., the National HIV/AIDS Commission with its music truck made its way along the route distributing paraphernalia as it has done throughout the years. Spectators willingly accepted the condoms distributed, unlike years before when some people appeared to shy away from taking the handouts.

The National HIV/AIDS Commission’s music truck.

As the bands came through one by one under the watchful eye of armed police, the crowd grew rapidly and the merriment was heightened by the food and drinks on offer as well as chatter and laughter.

Most of the bands had a large following of spectators on either side of their security lines as their masqueraders appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves while other bystanders took the opportunity to get pictures with revellers, especially flag persons. 

Revellers on the move in Eagle Hall.

Barbados TODAY spoke with a reveller who gave his name as John John, he said: “I quite enjoyed the new route. I have been masquerading for some time. It doesn’t bother me that officials have been trying different routes to ensure safety and at the end of the day that’s what’s paramount on a day like today.”

Another reveller named Ann echoed his sentiments saying: “I just love Crop Over whatever the route and I am able, I jumping.” 

The year-on-year grumbles from spectators were heard again this year — that there was too long a gap between bands but visitor Arle Tommy said it was “way better than last year. The bands are closer this time around, the wait is not that bad.” (FW)