NEW YORK – Barbados will get additional summer service as JetBlue Airways is introducing twice daily non-stop service to the sun-drenched island of Barbados for the period July 14th through August 29th 2011 just in time for the island’s sizzling Summer festivities including Barbados’ legendary annual Crop Over Festival. In addition to the regular scheduled daily morning departure out of New York’s JFK airport, the second daily non-stop flight, JB Flight #857 will depart at 11:00 p.m. and arrive into Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown at 3:52 a.m. starting July 14th through August 28th, 2011. Visitors also have the option on the return, with the additional flight, JB #858 departing Grantley Adams for JFK at 5:00 a.m. and arriving New York at 9:48 a.m. starting July 15th through August 29th, 2011.
Summer in Barbados is filled with energy and excitement. Crop Over, spanning from July 1-August 1, is Barbados’ biggest, and best-loved festival which sees the whole island taken over by the party spirit. Dating back to the 1780s when the island was one of the largest sugar producers in the world, the end of the sugar cane harvest was always celebrated with a big party, and the tradition continues today with added extravagance and flamboyance. The festival launches with the ceremonial delivery of the last sugar canes of the harvest, “crop over,” and culminates with the crowning of the carnival king and queen. Events last five weeks and revelers can expect a heavy mix of live soca and calypso music, dancing, arts and crafts markets, invigorating parties, cultural presentations and more. The grand finale, and national holiday, known as Kadooment Day, occurs on Monday, August 1st with a colorful and lively parade of costumed revelers, live music and plenty of rum.
