BARBADOS CARNIVAL 2023 PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND REVIEW

Breakfast Party

Mimosa, Brek-Fus

Concert

Rise Barbados, Dis Is Rick

All Inclusive

BLISS: The Summer Edition

J'Ouvert

In Barbados, J'ouvert is called "Foreday Morning". And unlike most carnivals, it takes place two days before the Parade of the Bands on the Crop Over Friday night/Saturday morning. We usually jump with Mix Nutz. For an alternative J'ouvert concept, there's Caesar's Army A.M.Bush.

Must Do Events

BLISS: The Summer Edition. Mimosa Premium Breakfast Party has now made my "Must Do" Crop Over fete list.

Barbados Mas Bands

Aura Experience
Baje International
Betty West Productions
Blue Box Cart
Colorz Entertainment
Envy Mas
Eunoia Mas
Khepri Kulture
Kontact
Krave the Band
Passion Vybz Kadooment Band
Power By 4
Rara Of Leogane Haiti
Romp International
Wednesday 2000
Zulu International

Duration

Tuesday to Tuesday. Grand Kadooment Day (Parade of the Bands) always takes place on the 1st Monday in August, so plan to arrive a week prior and leave 1-2 days following the parade for the perfect Crop Over.

Parade Day / Last Lap

On the first Monday in August, in Barbados, it's "Kadooment Day", a public holiday. 'Kadooment' is a Bajan phrase meaning 'large party'. Grand Kadooment Day celebrates the end of Crop Over.

Currency

2 Barbados Dollars = 1 United States Dollar

Temperature

August is another hot month with average high temperatures reaching 29°Celsius (84°Fahrenheit) and warm low averages of 24°Celsius (75°Fahrenheit).

TJJ Recommended Hotels

Best places to stay

The South Coast has all the lively beaches and party vibe. St. Lawrence Gap is the best area to stay for a vacation filled with partying. Clubs, bars and restaurant are just steps away from your accommodation. Holetown on the West Coast offers tranquil beaches, exclusive shopping and a charming little nightlife. Tropical Sunset Beach Apartment Hotel is an excellent self-catering option in a spectacular beachfront location.

Communication / Mobile Providers

Digicel and FLOW pre-paid sim cards can be purchased in Barbados.

Transportation

We love Courtesy Rent-A-Car in Barbados.

Flights

Several airlines fly to Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI).

Cost of a 2 Piece Combo

BD$17.80 / US$8.90 for a 2 Piece Snack box. Using our KFC global standard, a 2 Pc. Chicken Combo, which includes individual side & medium drink, cost $5.99 in the US.

Late Night Eats

Before calling it a night, Gap burgers (in St. Lawrence Gap) are my go to. Also, the hot/bull dogs at any of the Esso gas stations are life saving. Have them dress it (add condiments) in reverse.

TJJ Favourite Restaurants

Zaccios – St. James, Holetown
Lemongrass – Limegrove, Holetown

Upscale Dining / $$$
The Cliff – Derricks, St. James
Cin Cin By The Sea – Prospect, St. James
Fusion Rooftop – Limegrove, Holetown

Local Food

Just Grillin – Rockley, Christ Church and Holetown, St. James
Chefette – Island wide fast food chain - burgers, chicken, pizzas. Try the Roti.
Oistins Fish Fry (on Friday night in particular) – Oistins (South Coast)

Local Drinks

Rum (Mount Gay), Beer (Banks) or Coconut Water (road or beach side). If you're a Mauby fan, you're in luck. Bajans love their mauby. Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, and Mount Gay distillery, founded in 1703, is believed to be the oldest rum found anywhere in the world. Check out Strictly Bajan Rum Shop Tours for a local experience, ham cutters inclusive.

Alcohol purchase

Duty free in available in Barbados airport. The majority of the mas bands are drinks inclusive, and there are plenty of rum shops and road side vendors selling.