intervals between two crops and the difficult times which they (the slaves) experienced. This hardship was symbolized by "Mr. Harding." (A man stuffed with the dried cane leaves of the cane plant), which was burnt as a part of the festival (Wilder 75-78).
             In the 1940's there was a decline in the sugar cane market. This decline also signaled the near extinction of the Crop Over tradition. The tradition was being described as a "custom which has very nearly died out" (Fraser, Carrington, Forde and Gilmore 54). However, the government of Barbados in collaboration with the Board of Tourism revived in 1974, the modern Crop Over festival as a "tourism strategy" (Best 237). Today, the festival is administered by the National Cultural Foundation. For many Barbadians, the festival is two-fold. It is an important expression of their cultural identity and most of all it is an opportunity to party.
             The three week long festival is characterized by Calypso tents which "ring with the fierce battle of 'Calypsonians' (those singing calypsos) for the coveted Calypso Monarch title Award. There is also "Bridgetown Market," a massive street fair which is a delight for epicures. At the market there is a delightful exhibition of local craft, goods and food; It is "Rich with the spirit of local culture" (Ali 201), making it exciting for all in attendance. The "Cohobblopot" is a blend of dance drama and music which frames the crowning of the King and Queen of the costume bands. This is followed by the 'Pic-o-de-Crop' show, where the winning 'calypsonian is crowned. The fore day morning jam, a new addition to the festival immediately follows this event.
             The climax of the festival is 'kadooment Day," a national holiday. This event attracts the largest crowd for any event at one place in Barbados. "Kadooment' is a sea of colors as the costume bands parade before the judges. After this, the masqueraders fill the streets as they dance along the road to th...