THE FESTIVAL FEVER is one of the most exciting experiences you could ask for and whilst it is neither prudent nor wise to ever wish a fever on someone, this is a great fever to have.
Crop Over fanatics often wish that we could put all the elements that come with this major aspect of our culture in a vaccine and share it with the world.
Bandleaders bring their best strategies to the business and although they may complain about various rules established to “keep order”, they see the bigger picture and partake in the festival nonetheless. Backyards and rooms are turned into workshops where wire is bent, stencils are made and marriages are officiated between glitter and glue.
Costumes are now available at a range of prices. Seamstresses see a spike in work for adjustments and the need by patrons to look unique at events. Small businesses such as T-shirt cutting designers and bedazzlers who adorn boots emerge.
Some parents become excited to showcase their children at Kiddies Kadooment and go “out to all” with beads in hair, face painting and decorated shoes on this day.
Whilst I have heard some complain about the lack of female bandleaders, I believe that Kiddies Kadooment is dominated by some very strong female personalities who exude excellence in their craft year after year. Kudos, ladies.
The sting and innuendo of calypsonians’ renditions is a highlight for the majority of us. The lyrics and puns leave many on the edge of their seats at The Finals or cackling in their cars whilst driving in traffic and the radio is on.
Eyes are glued to Admiral’s image on television and every soundbite he provides is tweeted by viewers of his show. “You hear wha Admiral just say?”
The ever-popular Stiffy did not enter any of the competitions and whilst some may not approve of his lyrics, he was definitely a major attraction for the season with patrons requesting his presence at many events with his live performances as he “plugged in to all”.
Young entrepreneurs were creative with concepts and venues. Four thousand people trekked to a quarry to party in sheer fun, puffs of colour, water and more. Breakfast parties came alive. Neighbouring residents, some of whom may not attend the events, understand and support to festival by not calling the police to cancel the vibes.
Some of us get a bit overwhelmed balancing work and play but sometimes we have to Fyah de Wuk. Thousands assembled at Brian Lara’s residence this past Wednesday with work being the last thing on their minds. As the saying goes, “all work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy”.
Buy, beg or borrow a cooler because a definite favourite is a cooler fete. Whether it was Zulu’s, Xhosa’s, Cooler Vibes or Lush, this new version of a picnic is a hit with many partygoers.
Barbadians have expressed that last Sunday’s Soca Royale event was the best in years. This is testimony to the high quality of calypsos offered this year. One peer mentioned: “Ain nuh need to play Trini soca this year, de music real sweet boi!”
I love when you go to an event and the DJ can call a plethora of countries and someone in the crowd can raise her hands when each country is called. That is impact. That is the continuation of global penetration for our festival and culture.
Thousands line the routes of Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment for the excitement.
Regardless of your religious affiliation, we are all bitten by the festival fever. Walk Holy and The Experience Tent represent well for the Christians.
There is a meme on Instagram which says: “When all uh wunna scabbing out and jukkin’ down in de people fete, just remember Christ is watching.”
This reminded me of all those parents who thankfully pray for us when we are leaving home in the early hours of the morning to attend an event and instruct us about pulling down our skirts or inquire about who were are attending the event with.
It reminds me of all who keep people morally accountable. Whether it is to ensure that responsible drinking is done or denounce the wukkin’ up on minors and working police officers on Kadooment Day, to name a few.
Tomorrow is the climax of the festival. The Monday of all Mondays. Mega Monday as it is now affectionately known.
According to “De Yella African” Peter Ram, “all ah we in de carnival, all ah we in de bacchanal”!
This is Crop Over!
Toni Thorne is a young entrepreneur and World Economic Forum Global Shaper who loves global youth culture, a great debate and living in paradise. Email Tonithorne@hotmail.com.
