In July, MMGY Global reported that The Bahamas was the most popular Caribbean destination among American travelers. And this is backed up by ForwardKeys, which reported international arrivals to The Bahamas increased 13.9 percent in June, with arrivals up 9.4 percent in the first half of 2019. The forward-booking situation remains positive, with bookings 9.8 percent ahead for international arrivals. If you have your sights set on the destination, here are a couple of events you need to know about.
Goombay Summer Festival (August 11 – August 31) – Travelers can experience live Bahamian music, local cuisine, authentic Bahamian arts and crafts, Junkanoo (a street parade) and lots more at the annual Goombay Summer Festival. Festivities take place on Exuma on August 11 – 17, Central Andros on August 16, Long Island on August 24 and Eleuthera on August 31.
Junkanoo Summer Festival at Smith’s Point (August 3 – August 17) – For three consecutive Saturdays in August, Freeport will vibrate with the rhythms of goatskin drums, cowbells, brass horns and whistles as six Junkanoo groups compete against each other. The Junkanoo Summer Festival will feature Bahamian music, performances, demonstrations, arts and crafts and a kids’ corner of entertainment.
29th Annual North Eleuthera Regatta (October 4 – 7) – Throughout the Regatta, the island will be hosting a myriad of mini-events to celebrate the race. Friday night (October 4) will be a Skipper's Party at Valentines Resort, followed by the official opening of the Regatta site. Saturday, there will be a block party, mixology competition, conch cracking competition, marching band and other musical performers. On Sunday, there's a pool party at Valentines, the closing ceremony and prize-giving and live performers. Monday, there will be a beach party.
Mars Day Conch Fest (October 12 – 14) – This annual festival showcases the history and culture of "conching" in South Andros, and it features a number of indigenous cultural activities, including conch cracking, skinning and eating, awards for the best conch salad and conch dish, the Native & Innovative Conch Culinary Competition and more. There will also be lots of other local food and drinks, plus children’s games and activities and a Junkanoo Rush-out.
Bahamas Hoopfest (November 27 – November 30) –The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Thanksgiving Classic will be hosted in Nassau this year. This will be the first women’s basketball event of its kind to be hosted in The Bahamas.
Visit www.bahamas.com/events
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