The Bahamas Carnival is quickly becoming an important Caribbean cultural experience for tourists and for good reason. Recently held from May 18-21, the exciting series of events offers travelers a novel opportunity to immerse themselves in the perfect of two worlds – a unbelievable, year-round weather escape to the tropics and a celebration of history and heritage that dates back a whole bunch of years to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. With 700 coral islands, 16 of that are inhabited, and hundreds of cays that total near 4,000 square miles, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is a shining gem within the crown of the West Indian community. Nestled within the Lucayan Archipelago within the North Atlantic, the island country has been long touted as an unmatched destination of non-stop adventure, leisure and pleasure. The crystal-clear beaches, white and pink sands,  and all-inclusive resort hotels all rival the perfect on the international tourism landscape. And now, the country’s Carnival experience provides an added layer of pleasure and splendor for visitors and residents alike.

Often hosted within the month of May, Bahamas Carnival is a four-day observance that takes place on the streets of the nation’s capital, Nassau. It involves a costumed street parade and a series of night-time parties with live Caribbean music entertainment, generally known as “fêtes.” First established in 2013, Bahamian government officials saw the hosting of the Carnival experience as a chance to affix the present regional ecosystem and to spark creative and cultural entrepreneurship within the country during traditionally slower periods of tourism activity for the nation. Today, Bahamas Carnival is now a personal sector-led annual festival that encourages cultural exchange while bringing a wealth of holiday makers and dollars to the Commonwealth. The Bahamas Carnival experience will not be to be confused with Junkanoo, which is a conventional event that takes place throughout the latter half of December. Known to many because the “heart and soul of Bahamian culture,” visitors can expect to witness elaborate dance routines and ornate costume designs at this showcase that’s accompanied by the infectious beat of goatskin drums, cowbells and horns within the wee hours of Boxing Day and Latest 12 months’s Day.

For a lot of Bahamians living “within the 242” akin to notable creative industries strategist and PhD candidate Arianne Richardson, the recently concluded Bahamas Carnival is a crucial tourism boost for the island’s economic ecosystem, especially as residents proceed to get better from the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Even in its infancy stages, Carnival presents us with an untapped opportunity for Bahamian creativity to further develop and flourish,” she explains to ESSENCE – noting that quite a lot of professionals across industries profit from the staging of the experience, including sound engineers, costume designers and entertainers. “We see promoters, Carnival band owners, and our indigenous culture on full display during that point. Many individuals see it as an amalgamation of various African festivals – a reminder of our origins, our home and our culture,” says the passionate founding father of A.Wealthy Culture.

Should you’ve seen the photos and videos and are pondering of heading to The Bahamas for Carnival next 12 months, your planning should begin now. Listed below are some suggestions and tricks based by myself experience to make it easier to navigate the island country and take part in Bahamas Carnival like a professional.

Get your costumes earlier than later

The Bahamas’ band launch season, which is the period when costumes are presented to most of the people, takes place in February. With that in mind, be prepared to book your costumes early. Bahamas Masqueraders is the most well-liked band on the island, so get able to secure your costume of selection with a deposit as they typically sell out fairly quickly. Similarly, tickets for the most well liked Soca events can be found online and will be purchased ahead of travel.

Find flights early

Direct flights are about an hour’s commute from Florida, whether from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Caribbean travelers may very well have a lengthier route, with most intra-regional flights making a pit stop in Kingston, Jamaica.

Book your beauty

If you desire to be on top of your beauty game, ensure to secure makeup appointments early. Popular makeup artists akin to Lisa Wallace are booked at the very least two months upfront of parade day in May.

Go all in with all-inclusive accommodations

All-inclusive resorts are a simple and convenient solution to stay while in Nassau. Should you’re making a Carnival group trip, try Goldwyn Resorts or Breezes Bahamas to vacation in style and without the trouble. Taxis for hire are conveniently situated near the hotels’ lobby for guests’ convenience day or night.

Try the perfect in local food

For food lovers, try the Fish Fry on Friday nights at Cable Beach where you should buy a generous serving of your favorite local dishes, including cracked conch, lobster or tropical conch salad – as presented by food blogger EverytingSimSimma – in addition to Bahamian “sky juice,” which is a refreshing mix of coconut water, condensed milk, gin, nutmeg and cinnamon. Or, for the final word wonderful dining experience with the women, head over to OIA restaurant for a Mediterranean-Asian culinary adventure. Your tastebuds will enjoyment of exceptional menu options and thanks later.

A wardrobe tip

Walk with comfortable shoes for each occasion. Masqueraders in costume normally wear boots or sneakers for the parade generally known as Road March, while partygoers opt for residences or wedges for night-time live shows. Expect to party into the early hours of the morning at events akin to Amnesia and Insomnia with stage acts like Soca superstar Kes the Band and Reggae legend Buju Banton. Bahamians definitely know the right way to have an excellent time!

Beachwear is a must

There’s all the time a beach nearby, so swimwear stays in style. Spend the day at Junkanoo Beach for a day of post-Carnival rest and head over to Open Water Tours for a transparent kayak photoshoot experience complete with a drone. Follow in Carnival chaser queen Bahamianista’s footsteps and make it a feathered affair on the water.

Post-Carnival fun with flamingos

Should you’re searching for one other luxurious island activity, visit the Flamingo Sanctuary for a yoga session among the many exotic birds. Based on popular blogger Global Carnivalist, visiting the sanctuary is a Bahamian bucket list item that you simply won’t ever forget.

Prepare yourself for fun within the sun

The sun is out in its full glory in May within the Bahamas, so in preparation for the parade, ensure to wear your sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Have flexible funds

Plan smart and all the time make space in your budget for the unexpected – because all the pieces all the time costs greater than you think that!

Tenille Clarke is an avid storyteller, seasoned publicist and cultural enthusiast from Trinidad and Tobago who often pens about her ongoing love affair with travel, entertainment and culture through a Caribbean lens. Follow her digital journey @tenilleclarke1 on Instagram and Twitter.