Bridgetown Market bustles, but patrons call for more cultural offerings

The Mighty Grynner Highway came alive on Saturday as hundreds of Barbadians and visitors flocked to Bridgetown Market.

But while many turned out, some long-time patrons lamented a decline in traditional cultural offerings at the Crop Over staple.

“There’s nothing really so far to catch me. It seems to be mostly food and toys,” said Kim, a shopper who has attended the event for decades.

“In the past, you had a wider variety. I used to enjoy seeing the local paintings and crafts, but I’m not seeing those this year. So I’m not too impressed.”

She added, however, that her loyalty to the event remains strong.

“I will still come, even if I end up a little disappointed. But I would hope that next year, we see more variety.”

Another attendee noted, “They have no art, craft, tie-dye and so forth…I haven’t seen anything like that this year. I don’t mind the toys for the children; it’s good to have something for everybody. But I miss when there was more art on display.”

One of the few vendors present selling art pieces told Barbados TODAY that the event seemed “somewhat watered down” culturally compared to previous years.

Overall, vendors said it was a slow start but expected things to pick up by Sunday.

Despite the critiques, others noted that Saturday evening brought renewed cultural energy with a vibrant parade that delighted the crowd.

Stilt walkers were a big hit for children and adults alike.

Featured in the procession were the Barbados Defence Force and the Barbados Cadet Corps, Dancing Africa, Crop Over dancers, and the Barbados Stilt Walkers.

The showcase also included both young and older performers, reflecting the wide cross-section of the community.

Steel pan players and other musicians kept the music going well into the evening.

The sounds of drums, brass, and traditional instruments filled the air as families lined the streets to watch and record the performances.

Children danced and enjoyed treats like snow cones while adults swayed to the music and captured the experience on their phones.

While many attendees acknowledged the market’s continued vibrancy and appeal, they also expressed hoped that future editions would refocus on showcasing more of Barbados’ rich cultural and artistic heritage. The event continues on Sunday. (SM)