The Tribune

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) held its fourth annual Tru Tru Bahamian Festival at the weekend to highlight Bahamian culture and history.

Tourists and locals alike were able to sample Bahamian food, drink, music, displays of traditional games and pastimes, art and craft at John Watlings Distillery. Vendors, entertainers, food and drink suppliers showcased the best of what this nation has to offer.

Brightly-coloured clapboard facades and thatch were used to decorate event tents, which created a “village” ambiance. Partners included Dolphin Cay, Ardastra Gardens, the Bahamas National Trust, Bahamas Football Association, Creative Nassau, the University of The Bahamas’ Art Department and the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

“The event has developed and expanded every year, both in scope and size,” said Carlton Russell, BHTA president. “It was incredible to see the number of tourists and locals come out, even though the weather presented challenges on Saturday.

“That in itself speaks to how much people love the festival, what it offers and what it represents. Our aim is to hold iterations of the Tru Tru Bahamian Festival more often in various islands and areas. With the support of our partners in both the public and private sector, we hope to make that happen.”

The Tru Tru Bahamian Festival’s private and public sector sponsors include the Ministry of Tourism; REV; Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board; Paradise Island Tourism Development Association; John Watlings Distillery; Bahamian Brewery; Commonwealth Brewery; Pirates Republic Brewing Company; The Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board; Downtown Nassau Partnership; DHL; Embrace Resort Exuma; The Pointe; Bahamas Waste; The Bahamas Hotel Restaurant and Employers’ Association; the Hotel Industry Management Pension Fund; Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union; Providence Advisors, the Royal Bahamas Police Force; the University of The Bahamas; and the Nassau Airport Development Company.