Grand Kadooment 2023: Spectators  on Bank Hall welcome colourful parade on old route

Despite the long wait to see the Kadooment Bands on parade and a dose of heavy showers, the hundreds of spectators that gathered along Bank Hall Main Road, St Michael enjoyed the merriment of the day.

Amidst the music, dancing and kaleidoscope of colours, several spectators, including tourists, told Barbados TODAY they were happy to witness and experience the sights and sounds of Kadooment Day 2023.

With a drink or two in their hands, several spectators declared that they were happy to see the bands return to the old route, which started in Warrens and will end on the Mighty Grynner Highway.

Kathy Armstrong was one spectator who proudly stated that she was glad to be back in her spot on Bank Hall Main Road to enjoy the Kadooment Day festivities.

“It is wet, and outside is hot, but I am so happy that the bands have returned home to the old route. I have been coming to Bank Hall to watch the bands since I was a child with my parents and now I bring my children to enjoy what I did as a child.

“Last year, I went up to Haggatt Hall to watch the bands, and I really did not enjoy it. So, despite the time we have to wait for the bands to pass and the rain, I am happy we are back on the old route,” Armstrong said.

Meanwhile, first-time visitors to the island from Texas, United States, Noodle Hanes and Shanna Bowman, said they were not disappointed that they decided to travel to Barbados to enjoy the Crop Over festival.

From left: Shanna Bowman, Noodle Hanes and daughters. Photo: Haroon Greenidge.

In fact, Hanes, Bowman and their daughters, who accompanied them, declared that they had such a great time in Barbados that they would be returning to the island in the near future.

“We are absolutely loving it here. People are so friendly, and the food is delicious, and this is amazing,” Bowman said.

Colourful costumes were on display. Photo: Haroon Greenidge.

Meanwhile, Hanes added: “The celebration, the joyfulness, the colours, the people, the sequence, the features, it is absolutely amazing. Oh, we are coming back. We leave tomorrow, and we are coming back, at least for two weeks”.

There were many limes around the route. The biggest lime along Bank Hall was held by the Empire Sports Club. The club was selling food and drinks to members and stakeholders, who mingled and danced to the infectious music as they watched the bands passing from the view of Kool Air Auto Clinic Inc.

Secretary of the Empire Club, Margreta Arthur, said the club decided to host the community-oriented event to raise funds and to encourage a sense of togetherness.

Secretary of the Empire Club Margreta Arthur. Photo: Haroon Greenidge.

“We are very happy with the results, it has been going from early. It’s a vibe, it’s a whole vibe, and we are very happy with the response. We have a drinks bar, and we have a food kitchen,” Arthur said. anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb