TRIBUTE WAS PAID to Barbados in its 50th year of Independence by the scores of masquerade bands parading today in the Republic Bank Cropover Grand Kadooment.
Several of the 32 bands going before the judges at the National Stadium devoted sections to Barbados’ history with one taking spectators back to the days of the burning of Mr Harding, a symbol from the early days of the festival.
It was again a mas dominated by feathers with elaborate plumed head pieces. These were complimented by feathered ankle bands, the preferred style of costume in the majority of the bands parading.
Guadeloupe also honoured Barbados’ fiftieth with the appearance of the Guadeloupean bands Nasyon a Nèg Mawon and Restan La.
Minister of Culture Steven Lashley hailed it as one of the most successful Grand Kadooments, with the highest level of participation ever. (GC)