Large Mas' Returns to Crop Over with Six New Spectacular Costume Designs
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) is bringing back one of the most iconic elements of the Crop Over Festival with the revival of Large Mas'. As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving Barbados' cultural traditions while encouraging innovation, the NCF has selected six new large masquerade costumes for production across six themed areas.
The initiative marks an exciting step towards restoring the prominence of elaborate masquerade costumes within the Festival, providing designers with an opportunity to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship and passion for one of Crop Over's most celebrated art forms.
Reviving a Crop Over Tradition
The Kings and Queens of the Bands competition, once a highlight of the Cohobblopot show, last took place in 2009. Following concerns over declining participation and the standard of large costume entries, the competition was discontinued.
Rather than immediately reintroducing the competition, the NCF has adopted a fresh approach by inviting designers to submit concepts for large masquerade costumes. This initiative focuses on rebuilding the tradition while encouraging artistic excellence and strengthening the future of Large Mas' within the Festival.
The call for submissions was issued in May, resulting in 19 proposals from 14 designers and design teams. The submissions reflected a wide range of experience levels and creative styles, highlighting the continued enthusiasm for masquerade design in Barbados.
Six Designers Selected
A panel comprising three former Chief Judges of Kadooment assessed the entries across six themed areas. The judging panel included Omowale Stewart, Joan Cuffy and Khalil Goodman, who selected one costume from each category for production.
According to National Cultural Foundation Chief Executive Officer Carol Roberts, the project celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of Large Mas' while encouraging designers to embrace sustainability and innovation.
She noted that each designer has been challenged to interpret the selected themes through their own creative vision and expressed her excitement to see the completed costumes brought to life during the Festival.
Investing in the Future of Large Mas'
To support the revival of Large Mas', the NCF partnered with the Pinelands Creative Workshop to host a Wire Bending Workshop from 21 to 26 May.
The workshop was facilitated by veteran Trinidadian carnival arts instructor Valentine Jerry of the Carnival Yard Campus at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Participants received practical training in the specialist techniques required to construct large masquerade costumes, helping to build local skills and strengthen the future of costume production in Barbados.
Preserving the Art of Masquerade
Chief Cultural Officer Andrea Wells described the initiative as a welcome return to an important showcase of artistic talent within Crop Over. By combining cultural preservation with skills development and opportunities for emerging designers, the NCF is ensuring that Large Mas' remains an integral part of the Festival's future.
As anticipation builds for Crop Over 2026, festival-goers can look forward to seeing six spectacular new creations that celebrate Barbados' history, heritage and the enduring spirit of masquerade.
Whether you are a long-time supporter of Crop Over or experiencing the Festival for the first time, the return of Large Mas' promises to be one of this year's most visually stunning highlights.
The Selected Large Mas' Designs
The six Large Mas' costumes selected for production each represent a unique aspect of Barbados' culture, history and the spirit of Crop Over.
King of Crop Over
Trevor Chase — Keeper of the Canes
Queen of Crop Over
Neil Stanley — Queen of Crop Over
Mr. Harding
Gordon Ashby — Harding’s Fiery March
Kaiso, Kaiso
Carla Gittens — Kaiso, Kaiso
Emancipation
Troy Burgess — Rise of the Ancestors
Barbados at 60
Wayne Smith and Adrian Burnett —Continuum: Folklore to Future
Together, these designs celebrate the people, traditions and defining moments that have shaped Barbados while showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship that continue to make Crop Over one of the Caribbean's premier cultural festivals.
The National Cultural Foundation views the initiative as an important step towards revitalising Large Mas', honouring the artistry, heritage and spectacle that have long been synonymous with Crop Over. By supporting both established and emerging designers, strengthening technical skills within the creative community and investing in the next generation of masquerade artists, the Foundation is helping to ensure that the tradition of Large Mas' continues to flourish for years to come.
As Crop Over 2026 unfolds, festival-goers can look forward to experiencing these impressive creations as they once again bring the grandeur, colour and pageantry of Large Mas' back to the heart of Barbados' premier summer festival.
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