Since roughlythe 1780s, in fact.
But in 1974, it was brought back all new, improved, and modernized.
In 2022, that feeling is all the more poignant after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To say it’s a vibe would be an understatement it’s true euphoria.
Indeed, there is much to celebrate.
A masquerader contemplates the miles (and miles!)
of jumping that will take place ahead of the procession.
Kira (left) and Shanique (right) came right and ready for the road in their costumes.
“It kind of feels like old times again,” Shanique tellsAllure.
The difference, according to the native Bajans, is the parade route.
Nocostumeis complete without a generous helping of sparkle.
Two tiny face jewels matched her lime green shadow.
It’s Bryanna’s second time at Crop Over and it feels different to her this go-round.
For the parade, he’s extra patriotic, decked out in the national colors.
He feels even more pride this Kadooment Day with Barbados’s status as a new republic.
Dark lipstick, blue shadow, and a cascade of flowing locs bringsRuby’s costume to the next level.
“I’m from Minnesota, but I love Barbados.
I love the people,” she says.
Rhinestones of various sizes are sprinkled across her cheeks, almost like sparkling tears ones of joy.
“I’m looking forward to the music, the rum, the bacchanal, all of it!”
Umindi and Elon aren’t new to the Crop Over game, they’re true to it.
When asked if this was their first time jumping, Johnson says, emphatically, “Absolutely not.
I’m from Brooklyn, my parents are from Barbados I come to Crop Over every year.”
This Crop Over is a first for both.
“It’s my first time on the road in a costume,” Daniel explains.
But, as they tell us, their time in Barbados has been good to them.
“I love the people here,” Charlotte says.
“They are super, super friendly.
Everybody I talk to is welcoming.”
Chinonye, who hails from Nigeria, is studying in Barbados and is jumping for the first time.
The African roots of the festival and Caribbean culture overall have been an experience for her.
“It’s nice to see that.
Eyes closed, waistline rolling, music running through you this is the look of euphoria.
This reveler decorated her forehead and undereyes with gems, keeping the rest of the makeup relatively neutral.
There’s nothing like seeing everyone in their costumes together on the road.
The feathers bursting from behind them bounce with every step a masquerader takes.
The rhinestones shimmer in time with the music as the carnival band moves through town.
But before all that, photos are a must.
“It’s just pace, pace, pace.
It’s been high the whole weekend.”
Her favorite thing about being Bajan?
Barbados, of course.
“We have the most beautiful place on the whole planet.
The best culture, the best music, the best food.”
“What’s so special about Crop Over?”
It’s the culture, it’s the community.
Everything makes Crop Over.”
“Our ancestors are here right now in the moment with us.
We embody them with our costumes, enjoying ourselves just like they did.”
Catalina Robayois Colombian, but she said it is her second time jumping for Crop Over.
As for the clear liquid in this reveler’s cup?
Well, that we don’t know for sure.
“It’s not like Boston, which is very fast-paced.”
A high pony keeps her looking cool and super glamorous on the road.
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