Living It: A Bajan’s View of Crop Over, CARIFESTA XV & CPL 2025

This year, Barbados didn’t just shine — we blazed!

As a born and bred Bajan, I’ve always loved Crop Over. It’s in our blood. But 2025 was something else entirely. From May straight through to September, it felt like the entire island was alive — music in the air, various community events and captivating performances throughout the parishes, and people from all corners of the globe soaking up our culture.

We hosted Crop Over, then turned around and welcomed the region for CARIFESTA XV -topping it off with CPL cricket. And I was there for all of it.

Let me tell you what it felt like — not from a visitor’s lens, but from someone who lives and breathes this place every day.

Crop Over 2025: In All Its Glory and Splendour

Crop Over 2025 was hot!! From when the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes rolled into Queen’s Park, I knew it was going to be a season to remember.

From early mornings to late nights, I was out. The energy was real, and the crowds were massive. I attended Rise and Tipsy which featured local, regional and international artists, as well as Auntie Mia’s Fete on the grounds of Ilaro Court, the official residence of our Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley. But it was Foreday Morning Jam that really reminded me why I love this island. Covered in paint, moving through the streets with my crew, surrounded by the sweet sounds of Calypso music, it was outstanding! You could feel the joy, the release, the pride.

And when Grand Kadooment came? Wow. Though I didn’t play mas with any of the local bands - I watched from the roadside with thousands of other spectators as the flamboyant and bejewelled revellers wined and sashayed down the streets in the blazing August heat - feathers everywhere, music blasting. It wasn’t just fun. It was freedom!!

CARIFESTA XV: Caribbean Family Reunion

Just when we thought the party was done, CARIFESTA XV rolled in like a second wave — and it was beautiful. You know how we always talk about “one Caribbean”? This was that — live and in colour.

I spent hours walking through the Carifesta Village & Grand Market at Waterford. What a splendid array of Arts & Craft, stylish ladies and gents’ attire and footwear, exquisite jewellery pieces and aromatically scented products - not to mention culinary delights from many countries, including Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, St, Vincent, Dominica, Jamaica, Venezuela, and Belize. Even artists from Ghana and Nigeria were here, blending their culture with ours in ways that gave me chills.

There were poetry readings at Pelican Village, fashion shows down Broad Street in Bridgetown, plays from St. Lucia and dance extravaganza from Norway featuring a fusion of African and Caribbean movements at the Frank Collymore Hall. I even caught a jazz set by a Haitian band in Oistins and a Cohobblopot of soca and salsa artists at the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre in the Botanical Gardens. A special highlight for me was to attend a fashion talk at the Grand Market, featuring my eldest daughter, Alanna Doherty, along with an international panel of fashions experts, including Nigel Barker from America’s Next Top Model. Boy, was I a proud Mamma to hear her speak!!!

Barbados didn’t just host CARIFESTA — we owned it. And the rest of the Caribbean felt it.

CPL 2025: Cricket...Lovely Cricket!

Now let’s be real. I don’t always follow cricket — but when the CPL comes to town, I’m at Kensington Oval in my Barbados Royals pink, screaming like I’ve been in the game my whole life.

Top-tier. I was there when the Barbados Royals took on the Trinbago Knight Riders — the rivalry was real, and the Oval was vibrating. Not to mention – we won the match! Ok Ok, so the Royals never made it to the Qualifiers, but that’s beside the point!

But what I loved more was how Islands-spirited CPL has become. With 6 teams competing - Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Barbados Royals, St. Lucia Kings and Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, the high level of camaraderie throughout this tournament is something to behold. It wasn’t just about the sixes — it was the vibe in all the venues! Flags everywhere, the sweet, pulsating sounds from the many rhythm bands entertaining the supporters in their team colours, fans young and old were there to cheer their favorite team or just enjoy the lively celebrations.

CPL is we ting - And Kudos to the winning team!!!! Barbados Royals will raise the trophy some day again.

What This Season Meant for We

You see, 2025 wasn’t just about big events. It was about identity. About showing the world — and reminding ourselves — what Barbados is made of.

We showed we could host international events with class. We gave our creatives space to shine. We turned tradition into opportunity. And we did it our way — the Bajan way.

There was pride in the air this year. We were loud, proud, and unapologetically Caribbean.

From Bim with Love!

As someone who walks these streets every day, I can tell you this: Barbados in 2025 reminded me of everything I love about this island. Our culture. Our unity. Our rhythm.

We aren’t perfect, but we sweet. And when we come together — from the tuk band to the wicket, to the fashionistas — we are unstoppable.

So, if you were here, you know. And if you weren’t? Well, start planning for 2026. We only getting bigger!

Lynda Doherty
Sales & Rental Agent
Alleyne Real Estate
lynda@jalbarbados.com