Festivals in Barbados
The Caribbean Island of Barbados is quickly becoming a hub for many tourists. In previous years sugar cane was our main source of income; however, it has been quickly overtaken by Tourism. Due to this rise in Tourism, the government had to put several activities in place to attract and keep their most welcomed guests well entertained also with the view of ensuring their return to our shore. Hence, the annual tourism calendar for the island, the government has made provision for seven major festivals billed by many persons as, "The Magnificent Seven."These festivals are rich in history and they provide lots of entertainment for our numerous visitors and natives alike. The festivals are namely, the Crop Over festival, Holetown festival, Oistins fish festival, Gospelfest, National Independence festival of Creative Arts, the Congaline Carnival and the Barbados Jazz Festival.The Crop Over festival, the oldest of the festivals is the highlight of the summer. It is an "all-island jubilation running from mid-July to early August" (Pariser 77) Crop Over originated in the days of the plantation society. During this festival, there is the collision of British and African cultures. The Original event was know as the
After the emancipation of the slaves, the festival continued. The festival gives visitors to the island an opportunity to be a part of activities which reveal things that are Barbadian. After this, the masqueraders fill the streets as they dance along the road to the Spring Garden highway. Open air concerts, sports, games, a parade of vintage motor vehicles and a military display called "Beating the Tattoo which is put on by the police" (Fraser, Carrington, Forde and Gilmore 87)The historic St. Along the street there is lots of music and a stage is set up where entertainment is provided for the thousands of onlookers present. There is a variety of music, which includes gospel, folk, classical, tuk and calypso. " The last two events of the festival are the 2 major concerts which are held on the Saturday night at the Wildey Gymnasium and on Sunday at the Farley Hill National park which is used as a day to enjoy the wonderful ministry but also spend time with family. The "Cohobblopot" is a blend of dance drama and music which frames the crowning of the King and Queen of the costume bands. In recent years there has been an air of conflict as some artistes complained of not being paid. Gilbert Rowe, director of GMR International Tours Inc. There is also the climbing of the greased pole; this activity is enjoyed by the scores of onlookers who are excited to see which competitor will succeed in his quest to the top of the pole. (LaBrucherie 34)The Congaline Carnival is a nine day festival which is held at the end of April and culminates on May Day, a national holiday; "its emphasis is on good food and good fun! (37) It was first incepted in 1994 by the National Cultural Foundation. This is followed by the 'Pic-o-de-Crop' show, where the winning 'calypsonian is crowned. The started the festival to "highlight the fishing village by focusing on its cultural and economic contributions to Barbados" (Ali 201).
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