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.
