If you’ve been planning on taking a vacation to The Islands Of The Bahamas for a while but haven’t been able to commit to a specific date, consider scheduling your trip around one of this year’s must-see cultural events on the islands. Travelers can even island-hop and save in the process with a “Two Fly Free” promotion valid on bookings before July 1. With The Bahamas located so close to the United States (some islands are just a quick hop from Miami), you may even want to take more than one trip this year!
Music festivals
The Out Islands are the smaller, more intimate locations within The Bahamas, and even these less populated spots have a festival or two to attract visitors during the year. In March, Exuma has its own Music and Heritage Festival, during which locals and tourists alike gather in Regatta Park for a celebration that includes dancing, music, artwork, of course, several varieties of the tasty conch. Local artisans will also be displaying beautifully handcrafted straw work, woodcarvings and paintings that visitors can take home as souvenirs.
In June, head to Cat Island to hear the original tunes of Rake ‘N’ Scrape music, said to have originated on the island itself. The music festival will expose visitors to a variety of unique instruments, complete with conch shell horns and goatskin drums. After the festival, sailing enthusiasts can enjoy the Cat Island Regatta.
Sporting events
May is a great month for sporting events in The Bahamas, from golf to soccer. For the first time, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) brings a tournament to the islands. The Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic will take place on the Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis in Paradise Island from May 23-26, 2013. Additional details about the event can be found at LPGA.com.
Soccer fans will want to check out the islands’ spanking new stadium when the Tottenham Spurs take on the Jamaican National Team on May 24, 2013.
Those who love the sport of car racing should visit Nassau in November, when Bahamas Speed Week is underway. See rare collections of Ferraris, Maseratis, Jaguars and more, and watch the 1.5 mile race around Arawak Cay, the seaside circuit in Nassau.
In December, gymnastics enthusiasts can attend the 2013 Atlantis Crown Invitational. The Caribbean’s largest gymnastic competition hosts more than 350 athletes from around the globe.
Foodie Parties
You’ll never starve on vacation in The Bahamas, but there are a few culinary celebrations worth scheduling your trip around. The All Andros Crab Fest in June is a true feast for seafood lovers, complete with a festive releasing of the crabs and a Crab Culinary Contest. Also in June, Eleuthera Island’s Pineapple Festival lends a light, citrusy scent to the surroundings with contests in pineapple eating and cooking and even a 40-mile bicycle race. Of course, both festivals include plenty of local musicians giving the islands a cheery, relaxing soundtrack.
Celebrations
July 10, 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of the independence of The Bahamas, and you can be sure that there will be activities and celebrations throughout the country. You can extend your July 4th holiday to include an island-hopping tour of the area, partying on a different island every night! You may want to book early for this festive time if you’d like to stay on the smaller islands, as it is possible that more intimate hotels and inns will be full for the celebration.
If you find yourself in The Bahamas at the end of the year or around the beginning of a new one, you’re in luck—you’re just in time for Junkanoo. The festive celebration takes place on December 26 and again New Years Day in Nassau, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Bimini and Abaco. Enjoy elaborate costumes, Bahamain music and hours of fun.
For a full schedule of events throughout the year, including film festivals, car racing, and basketball games, as well as more information on available dining, travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. You can also look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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