Immersive 50th Crop Over promised

Bajans can expect an immersive cultural experience as the 50th anniversary of the Crop Over Festival kicks off with the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes & 5oth Anniversary Tent on July 6 at the National Botanical Gardens in Waterford, officials revealed Friday at the festival’s media launch.

According to Andrea Wells, chief cultural officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the highly anticipated festival promises to be a vibrant showcase of Barbadian heritage, blending tradition and modernity. She unveiled details of the celebration in the car park of Skymall Haggatt Hall, accompanied by Natalie Abrahams, CEO of Digicel Barbados, the festival’s main sponsor for the second year.

“Join us in celebrating as we mark the end of the sugar cane harvest season,” Wells said. “This unforgettable celebration of our heritage signals the start of the Crop Over Festival and is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate everything Bajan. The Bajan Culture Village will feature cuisine, arts and crafts, workshops, and performances.”

She elaborated on the festivities, which will include two parades, traditional and modern, featuring over 250 participants. “The traditional Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes parade will revive events like the Promenade (Fancy Dress) and the Decorated Cart Parade,” she explained. “You can also experience the Plantation Feast, take in the Mobile Museum, and much more. We start at 2 p.m, and this is a free event.”

The Culture Village will showcase a Mobile Museum, Maypole and Landship Finals, workshops, arts and crafts demonstrations, and community performances. “This year, the Plantation Feast will offer Bajan and Nigerian delicacies prepared by renowned chefs Mervyn Applewhite and Oyigoja Lifu Patience,” Wells noted. “For just $50, attendees can enjoy dishes like loaded sweet potato salad, passion fruit BBQ roasted boneless chicken, and slow-cooked black belly lamb stew. It’s an experience worth far more than the price.”

The traditional parade will pay homage to the island’s rich cultural heritage. “This will feature the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church, historic costumes, and the Barbados Landship Association,” Wells explained. “The modern parade will showcase a Mother Sally fashion parade with designs by Pauline Bellamy, reflecting various fashion trends over the 50 years of Crop Over. It will also include an iron massive with pan-around-the-neck, trumpets, and more.”

During the event, 12 Crop Over stalwarts—Al Gilkes, Alison Gittens, Charles Ashby, Chetwin Stewart, David Leslie, Dorsie Boyce, G. Addington Forde, Jennifer Sealy, John Sealy, Merle Niles, Merville Lynch, and Nigel Harper—will be honoured for their significant contributions to the festival. Additionally, three sugar workers—Dite Best, Junior Franklin, and Dorcas Sam—will receive special recognition.

Digicel’s Abrahams said: “It is my distinct pleasure to be here today as we celebrate 50 years of Crop Over, one of the most vibrant and cherished festivals in Barbados. As CEO of Digicel, I’m honoured to be part of this celebration, showcasing our rich culture and heritage.”

She emphasised Digicel’s commitment to the community, highlighting the company’s efforts to support education, sports, and technological advancements.

Wells expressed gratitude to Digicel for their sponsorship: “We are heartened and grateful for Digicel’s invaluable support. Their commitment to working with the NCF has been instrumental in making this event possible. We thank them for their investment in preserving our cultural heritage and for helping us produce the biggest and best Crop Over Festival as we celebrate 50 years.”