The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS and tourists flocked to the Botanical Gardens in Nassau to enjoy traditional Bahamian music, authentic Bahamian crafts and great down home food at the Festival of the Bahama Islands.

The day long event, on Saturday, which was organised by Kalik and was a part of the official 40th Anniversary of Independence celebrations, brought with it grey clouds, light showers and hundreds of visitors.

The 10-hour extravaganza was packed with demonstrations, live performances, music, dance, crafts and food from the islands, all representing elements of traditional Bahamian life – including crab catching.

There was also quadrille dancing, jewellery making, painting, percussion musical performances, fashion shows, bush tea demonstrations and straw plaiting lessons.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and the Lassie Doh Boys provided entertainment and a concert entitled Celebrating 40 Years of Bahamian Music, featuring Tingum Dem an’ Friends, who wowed the crowd later in the evening.

Dozens of vendors representing each of the Bahama Islands, served signature Bahamian dishes, including fresh cane juice, sky juice, crab and rice, peas and grits, baked chicken, roast corn and many other palate teasers.

Youth Sports and Culture Minister Danny Johnson congratulated Kalik and the organisers of the various events for hosting a programme that showcased Bahamian culture.

“On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Bahamas’ Independence and as minister responsible for youth, sports and culture, it is a pleasure to congratulate Kalik and its organisers, for staging the ‘Festival of The Bahama Islands’ which also serves to highlight Kalik Beer’s 25th anniversary celebrations,” he said.

“This cultural festival showcases all of the components that make us Bahamian, which have been woven into the fabric of our culture. It is a great opportunity for Bahamians and visitors alike to immerse themselves in what makes us truly Bahamian.”

The festival was also supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and sponsored by BTC, Coca-Cola and ZNS.