Bahamas: Events

Junkanoo , the nation's most famous festival, has been referred to as 'the centerpiece of Bahamian culture'. The event is hosted at various venues around Christmas and New Year, when streets and settlements resound with cowbells, whistles and goatskin goombay drums, drawing in thousands of foreign visitors. Mostly it's a big blow out for the locals. The main festivity begins before sunrise on Bay St in Nassau on 26 December (Boxing Day) and as early as 03:00 on other islands. Throughout the islands locals and tourists party the night away. Nassau also host a mid-year Junkanoo in June.

The Caribbean Muzik Fest is a week-long jam in late May or early June with reggae, soca, junkanoo and dance hall under the same billing, featuring the best of the Caribbean's musical talent. Pomp and ceremony occur quarterly in Rawson Square in downtown Nassau, with the opening of the Supreme Court. It features the Royal Bahamas Police Band.

Public HolidaysJanuary 1 - New Year's DayEaster Holidays - Good Friday & Easter Monday;7 weeks after Easter - Whit MondayFirst Friday in June - Labour DayJuly 10 - Independence DayFirst Monday in August - Emancipation DayOctober 12 - Discovery DayDecember 25 - Christmas DayDecember 26 - Boxing Day