Kadooment Day – August 5, 2024

History of Kadooment Day

‘Kadooment’ is a Bajan phrase meaning ‘large party.’ This holiday is centuries old, dating back to the time of slavery. Barbados was one of the biggest sugar cane producers in the 1700s because of slave labor. Kadooment Day and Crop Over day were introduced in the late 18th century to celebrate the successful harvest of the sugar crop. Those who worked on sugar cane plantations got the rare opportunity to smile, laugh, and be merry. It was a holiday they eagerly anticipated, and when it came, they always celebrated it in grand style — finally, they could enjoy their lives, even if it was only for a few weeks. They also got the opportunity to honor their old traditions and customs.

The concept of celebrating a bountiful harvest comes from Africa, where most Barbadians trace their ancestry — Barbadians adopted this culture and added their twist. They wore costumes made of grass, feathers, flowers, and bones during this festive period, parading themselves in the streets while singing and dancing. These celebrations were their way of thanking the gods and asking for more blessings in their next harvest. The elaborate masquerade costume was also a borrowed concept from the Europeans, who often held masquerade balls on their estates. Celebrations included lots of rum, which locals brewed from sugar cane.

Performers engaged in friendly competition, trying to outdo each other in song and dance. Onlookers were encouraged to join in the festivities and not just watch from the sidelines, probably where carnival parades in Barbados started. Crowds of revelers followed performers through the streets, shouting themselves hoarse over the sound of calypso music. Even after the abolition of slavery, Barbadians continued to celebrate Kadooment Day. It’s deeply ingrained in their history, and it gives them the chance to celebrate their culture.