Grand Kadooment Day in Barbados

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he Barbados Kadooment is held on "Kadooment Day" and is the culmination of the Crop Over Festival Season. The "Grand Kadooment is the official finale celebration of the season, usually held on the first Monday of August. This parade of Masquerade Bands, revel through the National Stadium before judges, then onto the streets in a Carnival-like fashion where they are judged at strategic points, ending at the Spring Garden Highway, where they awaited the results of the day in merriment in the presents of a beautiful fireworks display. Kadooment Date

Other names for Kadooment Bands are Costumed Bands, Mas Bands, Masquerade Bands, Carnival Bands or Crop Over Bands.

Spectators and revelers of Grand Kadooment in Barbados, who are not registered with a Carnival Band, can view the beautifully costumed Masqueraders from along the Route. Food and drinks are sold roadside, so you can enjoy the spectacle as they pass by with their massive music trucks, usually with Deejays and Live Bands to entertain the huge crowds. 

Is it a Carnival?
The Crop Over Festival in Barbados is considered a Carnival Festival, although it doesn't occur before or during lent and has none of the religious undertones, but has all the other elements such as; Masquerading, Street Parties, Public celebrations & parades.

History
Masquerading was an old African tradition, where they paraded in masks and costumes through the villages to bring good luck and to remove evil spirits. Originally materials for costumes were natural things such as; grass, beads, bones, etc. Head-pieces and Masks were made of feathers to symbolise that people can spiritually rise above anything.

Most European colonies within the Caribbean who were part of the slave trade have Carnival or Carnival-like celebrations. Now in large countries like USA, Canada and England, where they are Caribbean communities you will find Carnival celebrations.

Law
It is an offence subject to punishment in a Court of Law, for Persons not Registered in a Costume Band to intrude into registered Revelers of Costume Bands.
Court Punishment can range from a Fine of BDS$15,000.00 OR Imprisonment OR Both.

Hope you have an enjoyable Kadooment day in Barbados!