NCF Revives Return of Large Mas’ to Crop Over

The National Cultural Foundation is moving to restimulate the tradition of Large Masquerade costumes within the Crop Over Festival, with six new large costumes selected for production across key thematic areas.

The initiative forms part of the NCF’s ongoing efforts to preserve, celebrate and re-energise traditional elements of the Festival, while creating opportunities for designers and design teams to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship and love of masquerade.

The Kings and Queens of the Bands competition was previously staged as part of the Cohobblopot show and was last held in 2009. At that time, the competition was discontinued due to concerns about declining numbers and the standard of large costumes being produced.

Rather than reintroducing the initiative as a competition, the NCF issued a call for submissions, inviting designers to present concepts for large masquerade costumes across six themed areas.

Cohobblopot 1995 Queen For Love of Country

The Terms of Reference were circulated in May, resulting in 19 proposals from 14 designers and design teams. The submissions came from creatives of varying ages and experience levels, all demonstrating a clear passion for the artform and its place within Barbados’ premier national festival.

A panel comprising three former Chief Judges of Kadooment — Omowale Stewart, Joan Cuffy and Khalil Goodman — assessed the submissions across the six themes. One costume was selected in each themed area for production.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation, Ms Carol Roberts, said the project speaks directly to the cultural value and creative potential of Large Mas’ within the Festival.

“The six themes selected for the design of these costumes celebrate our history, our heritage and the spirit of the Festival. Each designer has been challenged to produce a costume that reflects their unique perspective, sustainability and innovation. I am truly looking forward to the end results of this initiative,” Roberts said.

Cohobblopot 1995 King Moon Glow

In recognition of the renewed interest in Large Mas’, the NCF also partnered with the Pinelands Creative Workshop to host a Wire Bending Workshop from May 21 to 26. The workshop was led by veteran Trinidadian carnival arts teacher Mr Valentine Jerry of the Carnival Yard Campus, University of Trinidad and Tobago.

The workshop provided participants with practical exposure to the techniques and skills required in the construction of large masquerade costumes, further supporting the development of capacity within the sector.

Chief Cultural Officer, Mrs Andrea Wells, said the project represents a welcome return to an important showcase of skill and creativity within Crop Over.

“The 2026 Large Mas Project is a return to a showcase of some of our designers’ most exciting challenges of the season. The six designers selected represent three generations of masquerade practice, so we’re looking forward to their output in this project,” Wells said.

Cohobblopot 1994 Queen Spirit of Kadooment

The selected Large Mas’ designs are as follows:

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

The NCF views the initiative as an important step in encouraging renewed participation in Large Mas’, while honouring the artistry, history and spectacle that have long been part of the Crop Over Festival.

Through the project, the Foundation aims to support both established and emerging designers, strengthen technical skills within the creative community, and ensure that future generations are able to experience the grandeur and cultural value of Large Mas’ in Barbados. (PR)