Ministry of Tourism officials have announced that the much-anticipated Junkanoo Summer and Goombay Summer Festivals have been relocated to Arawak Cay – a move they say will create a more family-friendly environment.
Junkanoo Summer Festival is scheduled for every Saturday in July, while Goombay Summer Festival is scheduled for every Friday in August.
Previously, both events were held in the downtown Nassau area.
But officials changed the location to allow for newly added features.
“The venue was changed to create a more exciting environment with less hassle with traffic, road closures and parking challenges. The location will cause for a more family-oriented events, where Bahamian games can be played along with various competitions. A Kids’ Corner with new and exciting children’s attractions will also be included,” said Director of Events at the Ministry of Tourism Charity Armbrister.
“In addition to the Kids’ Corner and the various games and competitions we have planned, we will capitalize on the new venue. For example, hospitality tents with tables and chairs will be placed on the beach side where persons can seat and enjoy their food and drinks.”
Each week of Junkanoo Summer features an electrifying event:
• Week One (July 4): Massive Street Dance Competition:
All Category A and B groups participate in a street dance competition.
• Week Two (July 11): Music Competition
The sounds of cowbells, horns and drums fill the air as Junkanoo groups face off in a music competition.
• Week Three (July 18): Full Junkanoo Competition
The groups combine music, dance and costumes for a full-on Junkanoo battle.
• Week Four (July 25): Junkanoo Finale Competition
The best of the best in the categories of drummers, bellers and others compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. There’s also an award ceremony, which will climax with an all-star Bahamian Rush and concert.
Among the sponsors for this event are Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Atlantis Paradise Island.
But the summer cultural explosion doesn’t end there.
Goombay Summer Festival begins on August 8 and showcases various cultural delights like traditional Goombay Dancers, Ring Play, Rake n’ Scrape Bands, Limbo and Fire Dancers, Androsia Fashion, a Kids’ Corner, Magic Man, Face Painters, People to People Booth and a thrilling Junkanoo Rush Out.
For more information visit www.bahamas.com/summerfestivals.
