Young, old turn out to watch Grand Kadooment parade

Hundreds of onlookers lined the sidewalks of Eagle Hall Main Road on Monday to get an early glimpse of the bands in their element as the highly anticipated Grand Kadooment got underway.

As the first of 16 bands turned off President Kennedy Drive and made their way onto Eagle Hall Main Road, cheers erupted from spectators, young and old, from children hoisted on shoulders to seniors seated on stools, all soaking in the colours, music, and movement.

The heavy bass from music trucks mixed with the sounds of live steelpan and excited chatter as revellers, clad in feathers, jewels, and glittering costumes, danced past.

The atmosphere was electric, and many in the crowd came prepared. Some arrived early in the morning to plant their chairs and secure the perfect roadside spot.

Others came armed with umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun, which proved no match for their determination to witness the popular Bajan tradition.

Vandayne Williams.

Among those who have made Grand Kadooment viewing an annual activity was 79-year-old Vandayne Williams, who has been coming to Eagle Hall “from the time the national festival began.”

“It’s a national festival. I’m a Barbadian and I participate in national things,” he told Barbados TODAY. “As long as I am alive, I will come.”

Though he once participated in bands, Williams now opts to watch the action unfold from what he considers the ideal vantage point.

“This is the most central part to watch the bands from. They all have to pass here, so if you go anywhere else, you probably miss some,” he said, adjusting the stool he placed early to mark his spot.

Decourcey Jones.

Also speaking to Barbados TODAY was 76-year-old retired police officer Decourcey Jones, who shared his views on how the festival has evolved.

“It used to be a lot better organised,” he said. “The revellers used to dress better – more decently – but now it’s just a thing where you put on anything and jump in a band.”

Recalling what he said was Kadooment of his time, he said, “It was just fabulous. Real creative. You used to see people jumping in an orderly fashion.”

Jones said, though, that he will keep coming back to see what the day has to offer.

As more bands made their way through Eagle Hall, the crowd swelled. Onlookers from cradle to cane rocked to the beat of the infectious music, some with phones in hand trying desperately to capture the energy of the day’s festivities.