Caribbean Beat — January/February 2017 (#143)

Advertorial
The Bahamas
Home to the one and only
Junkanoo Carnival
T
he debate on the merits of Bahamas Junkanoo
Carnival goes on, but the positives can’t be
denied! The inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo
Carnival in May 2015 was a huge success,
and brought smiles of joy to many a sceptic. Thousands
of people flocked to our beautiful Bahama shores to
participate in the newest cultural extravaganza in the
region. An estimated ninety thousand revellers from the Family Islands of The
Bahamas, several countries in the Caribbean, the Americas, and places as farflung
as the UK, Europe, Australia, and China converged at Clifford Park for a
smorgasbord of culture, creativity, and cuisine. And they weren’t disappointed —
in fact, the word is that this “new kid on the block” event exceeded all expectations
and created a thirst for more.
Thousands of people flocked to our beautiful
Bahama shores to participate in the newest
cultural extravaganza in the region
Mandated by Prime Minister Perry Christie to produce an epic festival which
would redound to the benefit of Bahamian entrepreneurs, young cultural ambassadors,
and fledgling artistes, Chairman of the Bahamas Festival Commission Paul
Major, his Chief Executive Officer Roscoe Dames, and the other Commissioners
worked really hard to put together an unforgettable experience for all to enjoy.
Of course, the Commission was fully aware of the daunting task ahead — but
the excitement of Bahamians having their own Carnival was too enticing, and numerous
persons from New Providence and many of our Family Islands flocked to
be involved in costume production, cultural presentations, and gourmet creations
to tantalise the tastebuds of the world.
An essential and irreplaceable
ingredient of Bahamas Junkanoo
Carnival is the unique infusion of the
indomitable Junkanoo spirit, culture,
and drive of our dedicated, devoted,
and experienced Junkanoos into the
unadulterated passion, abandon, and
free-spiritedness of lyrical latitude and
prancing in the streets. The combination
is electrifying! But you’ll experience
it for yourself only if you join us for the
Carnival Kick-Off in Freeport, Grand
Bahama, in April and the grand finale
in Nassau in early May.
While wending your way back home
with strains of melodious Music Masters
in your head, you’ll also be saying
Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival really got
it going on!
Come, see for yourself: “Bahamas
got carnival too! Oh yeah!”
For further information, please visit
bahamasjunkanoocarnival.com
or bahamas.com
Written by Elaine Monica Davis
WWW.CARIBBEAN-AIRLINES.COM 107