No Crop Over? No problem.

Image by Steven Jemmott

I can unremorsefully say that Covid 19 broke my heart in a plethora of ways; one of these being the cancellation of Crop Over. Even though creatives are still offering events during this time, and I applaud their effort, the energy and vibe Crop Over brings is missing. There is something magical about the sweetest summer festival that cannot be described. As long as I have been alive, there has always been Crop Over. My parents and grandparents have all experienced Crop Over. Now, as a result of the current pandemic, I am left with a feeling of bewilderment. I know some of you readers share my sentiments.

Many of you have established signature, yearly events that have become a staple in your lives and the lives of your friends. Though some of these events occur at various stages of the year, somehow, the zeal for events during Crop Over is unmatched. It was based on this premise that I began to ponder about the reason for my lack of interest during this time even though events are still taking place.

Generally, in the month of July, music would be permeating the airwaves and events would be lively and well attended; especially by me. Although artistes have begun releasing some of their music, others have stated that they would take a break or keep some of their best work for next year. This proves how important Crop Over is to our Barbadian culture and the void its cancellation has left on the arts.

People believe in the magic of Crop Over. It is unsurprising that tourists travel from all over the world for the experience. But what exactly is ‘The Crop Over experience?’ I decided to reflect on the reason why Crop Over is celebrated in the first place to fully understand its essence.

During slavery, at the end of the yearly harvest, planters exchanged gifts comprising of food and liquor. They also engaged in singing, dancing and climbing greased poles among many other competitions to celebrate. Seemingly, it was a delightful and enjoyable moment for the slaves who worked tirelessly on their plantations to cultivate the crop. Therefore, to pay homage, these celebrations continue to this day.

This has left me with the revelation that perhaps, for some of us Barbadians, the months June-August have symbolic, historical value which has been buried deep in our hearts. As a result, the significance of Crop Over simply cannot be defined by a few events. This is why we have a feeling of emptiness in Crop Over’s absence.

The sweetest summer festival is full of heritage, food, art, talent, music, people and good energy. It is the sounds of the Tuk Band and steel pan, it is in the movement of Mudda Sally, green monkeys, shaggy bears and stilt walkers; it is in the colourful display of the bands at Grand Kadooment. Crop Over is deeply embedded in the pudding and souse, fishcakes and a cold glass of bajan rum punch. It is a way for Barbadians and visitors to commemorate through passionate displays of our culture which has developed and changed over time.

Lovers of Crop Over will truly miss all that it encapsulates. It is more than just a few months of partying to us as we celebrate what it means to be 100% Bajan - and that in itself brings pride and a high level of fulfillment. “No Crop Over? No problem.” I beg to differ. Put some ‘respeck’ on its name!