BEST TIME TO VISIT: CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Many events in The Bahamas have no set
dates from year to year. But once the event is
announced, information becomes available to
tourist offices. For specific events, you can call
or contact your nearest branch of The Bahamas
Tourist Office.

January

Junkanoo. This Mardi Gras-like festival begins 2
or 3 hours before dawn on New Year’s Day. Throngs
of cavorting, music-making, costumed figures prance
through Nassau, Freeport/Lucaya, and the Out Islands.
Elaborate headdresses and festive apparel are worn
by jubilant men, women, and children as they
celebrate their African heritage. Mini-Junkanoos, in
which visitors can participate, are regular events.

Local tourist offices will advise the best locations to
see the festivities, or call tel. 242/394-0445.

February-April

Spring Break Season. This season of festivities lures
vacationing college and high school students wanting
to escape winter in America. It’s filled with beach
parties, sports meets, and musical entertainment.
February 28 to mid-April.

The Bahamas Family Island Regatta. Featuring
Bahamian craft sloops, these celebrated boat races
at George Town in the Exumas began in 1954. Held
in Elizabeth Harbour, the races are divided into five
separate levels. The regatta program also features
a variety of onshore activities including basketball,
a skipper’s party, and a Junkanoo parade. Usually
last week of April. Call tel. 242/336-2430 for exact
dates and information.

May

Long Island Regatta, Salt Pond, Long Island, sees
some 40 to 50 sailing sloops from throughout The
Bahamas compete in three classes for trophies and
cash prizes. Onshore entertainment consists of
indigenous “rake and scrap” music, sporting activities,
and the sale of native food–all taking place in a
carnival-like atmosphere. For more information,
call tel. 242/394-1535. Late May/Early June.

Eleuthera Pineapple Festival, Gregory Town, Eleuthera.
A celebration devoted to the island’s succulent
pineapple. Featuring a Junkanoo parade, craft displays,
dancing, a pineapple recipe contest, tours of pineapple
farms, and a “pineathalon”–a 1/4-mile swim, a 3 1/2-mile
run, and a 4-mile bike ride. For more information, call
tel. 242/332-2142. Early June.

July

Independence Week is marked throughout the islands
by festivities, parades, and fireworks to celebrate the
independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,
with the focal point being Independence Day, July 10.

Regatta Time in Abaco, a series of five sailboat races
taking place in the Sea of Abaco. Participants compete
for more than 100 trophies skillfully crafted by local
Abaco artisan Pete Johnston. Highlights include nightly
entertainment, free cocktail parties, and a grand finale
party. For registration forms and more information,
write to Regatta Time in Abaco, P.O. Box AB20551,
Marsh Harbour, Abaco, or call Dave or Kathy Ralph
at tel. 242/367-2677. July 4-12.

August

Emancipation Day. The first Monday in August
commemorates the emancipation of slaves in 1834.
A highlight of this holiday is an early morning “Junkanoo
Rushout” starting at 4am in Fox Hill Village in Nassau,
followed by an afternoon of “cook-outs,” cultural events
such as climbing a greased pole, and the plaiting of the
Maypole.

October

Discovery Day. The New World landing of Christopher
Columbus, traditionally said to be the island of San
Salvador, is celebrated throughout The Bahamas.
Naturally, San Salvador town has a parade every year
on this day, October 12.

November

Guy Fawkes Day. The best celebrations are in Nassau.
Nighttime parades through the streets are held on many
of the islands, culminating in the hanging and burning
of Guy Fawkes, an effigy of the British malefactor who
was involved in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 in London.
It usually takes place around November 5, but check
with island tourist offices.

December

Junkanoo Boxing Day. High-energy Junkanoo parades
and celebrations are held throughout the islands on
December 26. Many of these activities are repeated on
New Year’s Day.