A brief delay at the start was far from enough to dampen the spirits of those gathered to watch as revellers wined and danced their way across the Pelican Island stage signaling the vibrant commencement of the 2026 Flow 5G+ Grand Kadooment.
At 8:40 a.m., a reverent hush fell over Princess Alice Highway as the stirring notes of the National Anthem swelled through the air, and moments later, the Walk Holy Band danced forward as the first of 22 spectacular presentations, setting a spiritual and celebratory tone as they asked for divine blessings upon the day’s festivities.
They were swiftly followed by the brilliance of Blue Box Cart and Salt, which offered a masterful tribute to the Barbados Landship in preserving one of the island’s most cherished cultural legacies before the high-energy masqueraders of Krave took the spotlight.
A true highlight for the captivated spectators was the triumphant return of the majestic King and Queen costumes. Aptly showcased by the NCF Large Mas Costumes and accompanied by the rhythmic, sweet melodies of the Drummers Federation, the display was a feast for those gathered. Barbadians and visitors viewed the craftsmanship of ‘Keeper of the Canes’, ‘Queen of Crop Over,’ and ‘Mr Harding’s Fiery March,’ evoking memories for those who recalled past Grand Kadooments when such sights led every parade.
Boasting a formidable force of over 1 000 masqueraders, Vida by Esquire dominated the road; this massive sea of color, spanning six intricate sections, took nearly ten minutes to flow past the judges’ pavilion before continuing its rhythmic journey toward the Mighty Grynner Highway.
Throughout the morning, intermittent lulls punctuated the programme, leaving spectators in anticipation as several minutes often passed between the arrival of new bands on the stage.
NCF Festival and Events Planner Stacia Bryan noted that these gaps were largely due to revellers perfecting their looks before making their way to the stage.
“You know us ladies, we like to make sure that the make-up is on and the eyelashes are on. We realised that the bands will be a little bit delayed because y’all still at home putting on the finery to come and jump because it has shifted because people like to play Pretty Mas and want to be on Instagram and social media pages and we love that because it will help to promote the festival because it may help delay the persons coming through but the bands are here and ready and we have had a smooth Grand Kadooment,” she said.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY shortly after noon, Bryan confirmed that half of the registered bands had already navigated the judging point, and the momentum remained strong.
“I am very pleased with the productions. Everything has been moving smoothly along the streets. All of the water stations are in place. The revellers are well hydrated, the music trucks are moving and comfortable because the police and the BDF are on the ground to make sure we have a safe Grand Kadooment,” she said.
As the sun intensified to match the heat of the performances, many of those on the road sought refuge with vendors, eagerly flagging down sno-cone carts for momentary relief. Both spectators and revellers were spotted clutching portable fans and water bottles, determined to stay cool under the sweltering heat.
Throughout the afternoon, the stage was transformed into a shimmering blur of feathers, beads, and sequins. Breathtaking costumes from Aura, Colorz Entertainment, Haus of Mas, and Mondé Mas, among many others, dazzled the judges and the public alike.
Aura was vibrant on the road. (Photo credit: Jenique Belgrave/ Barbados TODAY)
A section of Monde Mas crossing the stage. (Photo credit: Jenique Belgrave/ Barbados TODAY)
Carla Gittens’ The Echo of Legends worn by Zahira Bayley was a thrill to be seen. (Photo credit: Jenique Belgrave/ Barbados TODAY)
Veteran bandleader Betty West led a poignant display with her 158-strong small band, paying a heartfelt tribute to late legends including Winston Jones, Renee Ratcliff, Gwyneth Squires, Roseann Lewis, and Reggie Cave. Her presentation highlighted the vital contributions these icons made in evolving the festival into the world-class event it is today.
The final band, Fifth Element, surged across the stage just after 1 p.m., bringing the formal judging to a spectacular close. With the formalities finished, the revellers fully surrendered to the rhythm, wining, dancing, and chipping their way toward the Mighty Grynner Highway for the main jump-up.
(JB)
