Grand Bahama Island hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Plan your vacation around some of the island’s well-known festivals and you’ll end up with a one-of-a kind Bahamian experience. From the biggest cultural events to the local festivities in neighboring towns, there’s always something happening on Grand Bahama Island!
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January 2017
Junkanoo is the National Festival of the Bahamas; it represents our roots and it is our heritage. Junkanoo originated during the days of slavery when the slaves were given time off to celebrate the holidays with African dance, music and costume. The festival is named after “JOHN CANOE”, an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after being brought to the West Indies in Slavery. Junkanoo today is a traditional rally to cowbells, whistles and goat-skin drums as costumed revelers dance away. Parade held at Town Centre on Pioneers Way. For more information contact: Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture (242) 351-1933
Majority Rule Day became a public holiday in 2014. It commemorates The Bahamas gaining majority rule for the first time on January 10, 1967, symbolizing the promise of equality, a level playing field, and fair play for all Bahamians.
Along with the emancipation from slavery in 1836, and gaining Independence from Great Britain in 1973, the achievement of Majority Rule is considered one of the most important events in the history of the country.
February 2017
This exciting three stage bike race and Gran Fondo will take place over two days on Saturday and Sunday. The cycling event begins in McLean’s’ Town and ends in East End. The idea is to provide every participant with the best experience possible. For more information contact the Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department 350-8600
For more information contact: Nuvolari Chootosingh, Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department (242) 350- 8600 nchootosingh@bahamas.com
March 2017
Golf tournament that attracts some 80 golfers from Nassau, Abaco and Florida For more information contact: Nuvolari Chootosingh, Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department (242) 350- 8600 nchootosingh@bahamas.com
Seminar that attracts Sporting Associations and Federations from G.B.I., Bimini and Abaco that highlights the impact of Sports Tourism to The Bahamas. Venue: Pelican Bay Hotel. For more information contact: Nuvolari Chootosingh, Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department (242) 350- 8600 nchootosingh@bahamas.com
Flag Football tournament that attracts visiting teams from Florida, Nassau, Abaco as well as local Grand Bahamian teams that compete over an entire weekend for football supremacy and bragging rights. Venue: GB Sports Complex. For more information contact: Nuvolari Chootosingh, Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department (242) 350- 8600 nchootosingh@bahamas.com
The Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Bishop Henry Fernandez Ministries will be hosting Faith Fest Conference on Grand Bahama Island. Visit www.henryfernandez.org for more information.
Dog Days Half Marathon is a long distance running event with over 400 runners taking to the streets of Grand beginning and ending at Bahamas Adventures. For more information contact: Nuvolari Chootosingh, Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department (242) 350- 8600 nchootosingh@bahamas.com
April 2017
For more information on Costal Awarenss Month Activities for the month of April, 2017, contact: Jeffrey Pinder (242)350-8646 or jpinder@bahamas.com
It is our mission at Extreme Kayak Fishing Inc. to connect and grow the community of offshore kayak fishing, while providing an organized, safe and fun tournament. Visit www.extremekayakfishingtournament.org/bahamas for more information. Click here to check out last year's awesome event!
Grand Bahama will jumpstart the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival festivities with “The Grand Life” experience during a two-day celebration on April 28 and 29., inclusive of live concerts, a midnight rush and beach party. Nassau will host the finale May 4th-6th. For more information contact: Immerse Bahamas (242) 602-5555
The Ministry of Tourism in support of the West End Eco-fishing Camp Association and the Grand Bahama Sailing Club will host this recreational spring time event. Attracting young sailers, many under 15 for a weekend of competitive sailing and lots of comradre for the entre family to enjoy. For more information contact Elaine Smith: esmith@bahamas.com or 350-8600
May 2017
Airshow will feature vintage air-crafts performing amazing stunts off-shore at Taino Beach, spectators can expect an exciting and thrilling show. For more information contact: Nuvolari Chootosingh, Ministry of Tourism's Sports Departmet (242) 350-8600 nchootosingh@bahamas.com. Click here for a preview video!
June 2017
Cultural festival highlighting the heritage of Grand Bahama's first black settlement. For more information contact: Elaine Smith: esmith@bahamas.com / (242) 350-8600
The attempted Guinness Book of World Record in undersea weddings is scheduled to take place on Grand Bahama Island, one of 700 islands in The Bahamas. Organizers hope to break the Guinness Book of World Record for undersea weddings, which is currently set at 34, and achieve a record-breaking number of 100 persons, making it a historic fete for the Islands of The Bahamas. For more information contact: Rosalyn Pinder (242) 350-8600 www.indeeplovebahamas.com
Part fishing tournament, part cultural festival. Good times for everyone! (West End) For more information contact: Elaine Smith: esmith@bahamas.com or (242) 350-8600
July 2017
The Ministry of Tourism’s annual summer festival featuring live displays of Bahamian culture in the form of food & music. Thursdays in July at Taino Beach. For more information contact: Sanique Culmer: sculmer@bahamas.com (242) 350-8600
August 2017
Annual swim race and beach party to raise funds for BASRA. Featuring DJ music, and food and drinks on sale. For more information contact: Justin Snisky, Bahamas Air & Sea Rescue Association: jsnisky@yahoo.com
September 2017
In an effort to resolve the issue of Marine Debris, the Ocean Conservancy initiated the International Coastal Cleanup. The cleanup event, which focuses on collecting data on trash collected, to find the source of marine debris. This event takes place every year, the 3rd Saturday in September. For more information contact Andre Cartwright at (242) 350-8600 or ajcartwright@bahamas.com
October 2017
Racers from ALL over the World are coming to compete in the West End International Boat Races! Hydroplanes, Jersey Skiffs, and Power Boats will be hurtling up to 170 MPH speeds. For more information contact: Nuvolari Chootosingh, Ministry of Tourism's Sports Department (242) 350- 8600 nchootosingh@bahamas.com
McLean’s Town’s annual homecoming event, featuring lots of conch-themed dishes, as well as competitions and live entertainment in the east end of Grand Bahama. For more information contact: Elaine Smith: esmith@bahamas.com or (242) 350-8600
For more information contact: Elaine Smith: esmith@bahamas.com or (242) 350-8600
Let a Bahamian introduce you to The Bahamas! Participate in our People to People program, where you will meet warm and genial Bahamians. For more information contact the Ministry of Tourism's People to People Department at (242) 352-8044 or email dhuyler@bahamas.com.
Enjoy delicious fried fish, potato bread, conch salad and many more Bahamian dishes every Wednesday at Smith's Point. This event starts at 6:30 in the evening.
