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‘Mi foot on fyah....’ (song from Kadooment 2010 - Blood Armstrong)
BARBADOS - Since I was a little girl, Bridgetown Market has been one of the ‘must do’ events of the Crop Over festival. A longstanding Bajan tradition, this three day street fair is always held on the last weekend of the season, right before the big jump up, Kadooment Day.
Over these few days the long stretch of Spring Garden Highway is transformed into a hub of music, food and an array of colour. The road is closed to motorists and stalls line the street. The very best of Bajan food and culture is usually on display. For first-timers, I recommend a stop at the Cou-Cou Village, the place for Barbados’ national dish, cou-cou and flying fish. Each stall has its own design and you are guaranteed to encounter some interesting characters along the way. From the local woman grilling fish, pork and chicken to the ‘snowcone man’with his iced delights, Bridgetown Market has something for everyone.
My favourite stop is the Bajan Craft Village, a collection of stalls dedicated to crafts. Local paintings, mahogany sculptures, jewellery and so much more... a girl can always find time for a little shopping! Needless to say while taking pictures, I did manage to purchase three pairs of earrings! I also tried the most delicious soft serve soursop ice-cream!!! Visitors were also treated to a live tuk band performance including the infamous Mother Sally – the band travelled from stall to stall entertaining everyone, dancing and ‘wukking up’ as Bajans would say.
I have to say that one of the best things about Bridgetown Market is the impromptu performances that you might just be lucky enough to see. While I was there, a group of young boys captured the attention of passersby with an array of bicycle stunts that seemed to defy the forces of gravity. Further along the road was the Banks Sound Shack which played all the latest Crop Over songs.
Overall, Bridgetown Market is an enjoyable day out and a great way to experience the best of the Crop Over Festival.
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