The Bahamas
Spangled between the depths of the North Atlantic and Florida's eastern
coast, the Bahamas – not technically part of the Caribbean – comprises more
than 700 stunning subtropical islands and 2400 cays, most uninhabited, and all
fringed by spectacular coral and fathomless ocean trenches. From the grit and
bustle of funky Nassau to the vast mangroves of Andros, there's an astonishing
array of beaches, reefs, forests and historic towns to be discovered, all
within the compass of an hour's flight.
Culture & History
The history and heritage
of The Bahamas have resulted in a diverse culture rich with customs that
continually remind visitors of the love for celebration and community in The
Bahamas. Many of the people who live in The Bahamas are of West African descent
and others are descendants of English Puritans. This provides a melting pot of
native customs of West African, English, and other cultures who settled in The
Bahamas over the last several centuries.
The local Bahamians are
always eager to show off their islands, tell stories, and point out the hidden
treasures. They encourage you to explore and they want you to see the culture
of The Bahamas, they’ll even take you around, whether it’s to give you a lift
across a bridge or help you discover the best places to enjoy Bahamian culture.
One of the most popular cultural festivals is
Junkanoo when thousands of people in ornate and colorful costumes and
headdresses dance in the streets to rhythmic Bahamian music. This cultural
event has spurred numerous smaller festivals throughout the islands over the
year, but the biggest celebration takes place each Boxing Day and New Year’s
Day.
Flavors
The Bahamas has a great
tradition of delicious local dishes, featuring ingredients like guava, rock
lobster, and conch. Bahamian cuisine is influenced by the dishes and cooking
style of the American South, which is evident in the side dishes and seasoning
used. Grits are common, as is a considerable amount of spice. Some elements of
Bahamian cuisine are similar to cuisine throughout the Caribbean, such as fresh
seafood, peas n’ rice, and some that are unique to the islands of The Bahamas.
With such a
fascinating cuisine, food festivals in the Bahamas are must-attend events. Each
major food festival during the year is an opportunity to sit back and enjoy
local entertainment as well as the most amazing dishes that the Bahamas has to
offer. Two of the most popular food festivals are the All Andros Crab Fest held
in June and the Eleuthera Pineapple Festival held at the end of May.
Urban Experience
One of your first
experiences upon arrival is the sound of live music greeting you at the airport
or cruise port. And, all across the islands, you will have many opportunities
to enjoy a rich musical tradition at bars, clubs, and restaurants. Major
international artists frequently perform at resorts.
Also, when the moon comes
out, entertainment awakens in these islands. The Bahamas have a rich nightlife
full of activities to do: you can enjoy traditional music in quaint bars, the
latest sounds in city-style nightclubs, or try your hand in a casino.
The Bahamas also have lots
of art to contemplate. Galleries in the major islands display paintings by
international artists, collections of fine Bahamian oils, and vivid watercolors
depicting island scenes. You can also purchase local art on the smaller islands
– from the artists directly, at small souvenir stores, and even from hotels
that often decorate their walls with those fine creations.
Outdoors & Adventure
The Bahamas
is an archipelago consisting of about 700 islands. Of that 700, 30 of those
islands are inhabited, which makes the Bahamas the perfect place to go
island-hopping. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and is the popular
destination for those traveling to the island. From Nassau, you can easily
travel to the small islands, each of which has its unique features.
An example
of the extraordinary natural beauty of the Bahamas is its famous pink sand
beaches. According to researchers, the light pink sand gets its hue from
thousands of broken coral pieces, shells, and calcium carbonate materials left
behind by foraminifera (tiny marine creatures with red and pink shells) that
live in the coral reefs that surround the beach. Also, with its crystal-clear
water and a variety of marine life, reefs, and shipwrecks, the Bahamas is one
of the world’s premier destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Also,
there’s a very unusual thing and a must-see when you go to The Bahamas are the
famous swimming pigs: a growing international sensation. The world’s richest
and famous have flocked to Bahamian shores just to experience one of the most
curious and fascinating animal activities up close. And you can swim with them
too!