Kadooment Day is a national holiday in Barbados, celebrated on the first Monday of August. This day marks the culmination of the Crop Over Festival, which is historically rooted in the colonial-era sugar cane harvest celebration. The festival was revived in 1974 as a cultural event.

History

• Origins: Kadooment Day originated from the harvest festival that signified the end of the sugar cane season.
• Revival: The modern Crop Over Festival began in 1974 to honor and celebrate Barbadian culture.

Traditions

• Costumes: Participants often wear elaborate, colorful costumes adorned with feathers, jewels, and bright fabrics.
• Music: Calypso and Soca music are central to the celebrations, with live performances and sound systems playing throughout the day.
• Dancing: The Grand Kadooment is a massive parade featuring bands and revelers dancing through the streets.
• Crowning of Monarchs: Calypso and Soca Monarchs are crowned based on competitions held during the festival.

Activities on Kadooment Day

• Street Parade: Revelers join a vibrant procession that winds through the streets, ending up at Spring Garden highway where the festivities continue.
• Social Gatherings: Friends and families host parties or gather for picnics to enjoy local food and drinks.
• Fireworks: The day often concludes with fireworks displays lighting up the night sky.