Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

It was harmony in the wet streets at Barbados Crop Over 2007.

CHRIST CHURCH, Barbados:

All the colours of the spectrum were in full use at Monday's Grand Kadooment at the National Stadium in Barbados.

The full force of the energy of the season was unleashed on the final parade of Crop Over, which took revellers from the stadium down the Spring Garden Highway. The various colours represented the creative efforts of the Barbadians' masquerade designers and the bandleaders in their various artistic thematic interpretations. The costumed bands were judged on portrayal, craftsmanship, presentation, originality and visual impact.

As early as 8:30 a.m. the high-octane revellers were at the stadium, ready to strut their stuff in front of the judges and the spectators who were in the stands. But the revellers seemed to have had a rain shadow effect that caused a heavy downpour. Soaked, but their spirits not dampened, the masqueraders made their way around the stadium track in a jubilant mood.

23 different bands

Revellers get ready to go at Barbados Crop Over 2007. - Photos by Andre Jebbinson

The most compelling costumes and carnival spirit came from Baje International's 'The Lost Tribe' and 'Power X Four Vibration'. Some of the sections in 'The Lost Tribe' included 'Ivory Coast', which centres emotional hope, pride, sorrow and excitement, and another being the brightness of the 'North Star'. Baje International used touches of gold, black, red, orange and red. Power X Four's 'Blaze of Glory' represented the energy of the festival in all its glory and they were fully energised. It was by far the dominant section in the parade. Both sections had about 1,600 revellers each.

In all there were 23 different bands, each with not less than three different sections. After they were done at the stadium, revellers made their way down the Spring Garden Highway. All this time the rain kept coming and it seemed there was no letting up. Body paint was starting to fade and costumes dripped like colours. It was almost like Jamaican J'ouvert, excluding the sand.

It was the finale of five weeks of partying and the Bajans were letting it all out. Notably, revellers of non-African descent were very much in the mix, with some local men grabbing the opportunity to get as many 'wines' as they could.

As the afternoon was nearing the end a few more trucks touched the finishing line and more merry moments ensued. After the rain finally held up a rainbow appropriately summed up the vibrant use of colour throughout the season.