On the cool, moonlit night of Saturday, August 16th, 2025, Long Pond in St. Andrew transformed into a lively stage for one of the most anticipated events on the We Gatherin’ calendar the Crab Night marquee event. More than 350 eager participants journeyed to the rugged east coast to take part in an activity that has been a treasured part of Barbadian heritage for generations: crab hunting.
Buckets in hand and spotlights cutting through the darkness, families, friends, and curious first-timers gathered with a mix of excitement and nervous laughter. For many, it was their first attempt at navigating the sandy terrain and grassy patches of Long Pond in search of the elusive land crabs that dart and burrow into the night.
The evening was more than just about catching crabs. It was about learning, bonding, and sharing in an experience that for years has united communities across the island. While not everyone walked away with a crab in their bucket, everyone carried home the memory of an unforgettable night.
Among the many voices that echoed the joy of the experience was Kenola Greenidge, who travelled from St. Michael to be part of the festivities. A lover of the outdoors, Kenola came with a playful goal – to catch a crab to keep as a pet. Although she admitted with a laugh that she “didn’t manage to catch even one,” she was quick to add that the thrill of the hunt and the atmosphere of togetherness made it all worthwhile. “It was so much fun, I’ll definitely come back and try again,” she said.
For Samuel Thompson of St. James, the event was an opportunity to learn something new and immerse himself in a cultural practice he had only heard about. Making the trek to St. Andrew, Samuel shared that Crab Night was eye-opening. “I always heard people talk about catching crabs, but to be here, in the middle of it, was a whole new experience. You really see how much patience and skill it takes,” he explained.
The experience, however, was not without its surprises. Some participants chuckled as they recalled being startled by an unexpected visitor in the dark a cow that crept up on them while they were focused on the hunt. “Catching crabs was fun,” one group joked, “but the only part that was not fun was when the cow snuck up on us!” It was one of those unscripted moments that added to the spirit of the night and will no doubt become part of the storytelling whenever participants recall their Crab Night adventure.
Beyond the excitement of the chase, Crab Night underscored the true essence of the We Gatherin’ initiative celebrating culture, heritage, and community. It brought together Bajans from near and far, creating a space where traditions could be experienced first-hand, not just observed. For the younger participants, it was a chance to connect with practices that their grandparents may have grown up with, while for older generations, it was a reminder of the island’s enduring connection to its natural environment and way of life.
The turnout of over 350 people was a clear testament to the success of the event. Families bonded, strangers became friends, and everyone left Long Pond with stories to tell, whether they went home with a crab in their bucket or not. What shone through was the joy of gathering, the laughter shared, and the deep cultural pride in keeping such traditions alive.
As We Gatherin’ 2025 continues across parishes, Crab Night will surely be remembered as one of the standout moments of the St. Andrew celebrations. It highlighted not only the fun and thrill of crabbing but also the deeper values of community, connection, and cultural appreciation that lie at the heart of the We Gatherin’ movement.
Long after the crabs had scurried away into the safety of their burrows, the spirit of togetherness remained, leaving all who attended with one simple truth: Crab Night was never just about catching crabs it was about catching memories.
