Island Culture

Bahamian Culture

By Erin Brooks

Long before the first tourist stepped foot on its golden sands, The Bahamas were the playground of pirates, explorers, armies and entrepreneurs, whose influences can still be found throughout the islands. But the native Bahamian people have a history all their own, woven into a colorful tapestry that blankets the islands in sunny warmth.

Discover Nassau / Paradise Island’s wealth of cultural offerings, most of which make for an easy break from the beach or a short side trip from an afternoon shopping excursion, and learn a little bit about the history and mystery of this Bahamian island.

If you have half a day, check out:

The colorfully creative Junkanoo Expo in Festival Place at Prince George Wharf (where the cruise ships dock) invites you to learn about the history of this famous Bahamian celebration. Check out larger-than-life floats and flamboyant costumes from past years’ festivals and take home a souvenir. You can also tour the Educulture Junkanoo Museum with a real Junkanoo queen and try your hand at making masks and dancing to traditional music. Or, just come back to experience the December 26 and January 1 events for yourself.

Pay a mere $1 to enter the quaint, one-room Bahamas Historical Society Museum and marvel at the six-panel painting by Diana Pullinger that pictorially represents the history of The Bahamas.

Walk across the thought provoking "Bahama Mama" exhibit at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. Upstairs, gaze up, up, up at the imposing, 82-inch copper "Junkanoo Queen" by Nick Austin.

There’s no counting calories on vacation, so there’s no excuses for not sampling the fried conch fritters at one of the small colorful eateries at Arawak Cay.

If you have a full day, consider:

You’ll need to make reservations in advance (and brush up on your Latin), but it’s worth it for a visit to St. Augustine’s Monastery. This working monastery is under the care of Benedictine monks who will happily tour you around the cloisters and gardens for a small donation.

As sweet as it sounds, the tiny, historic Adelaide Village (founded by free slaves in the 1830s) on the south end of the island is a lovely spot for a picnic or horseback riding with Happy Trails Stables.

Join a free tour (make an appointment) of Commonwealth Brewery and, while you’re there, swallow a free sample of Kalik, the "unofficially official" beer of The Bahamas.

Keep the party going and head over for another free tour at the Bacardi Distillery, ending with a sampling of their famous rum. You can even buy a bottle (or two) at a discount.