The Tribune

A SERIES of festival dates have been announced but the Ministry of Tourism - including the return of events such as the Goombay, Junkanoo Summer and Pineapple Festivals.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said in a statement issued yesterday: “It is gratifying to see the return of our beloved festivals. After all that we have endured over the past few years of the pandemic, we have to celebrate our culture and truly appreciate what we have.

“The safety of our residents and guests is our highest priority. We will continue to adhere to all covid protocols as we host these events.”

After a two-year hiatus, the 33rd annual Pineapple Festival will be returning on Labour Day weekend, June 3-4, in Gregory Town, Eleuthera. The celebration honours pineapple farmers and their contributions to the farming industry, and will welcome domestic and international visitors from all over, for a fun-filled weekend.

Additionally, Goombay Summer Festivals will take place during July throughout Abaco, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Exuma, Harbour Island and Eleuthera. Goombay showcases various cultural delights such as traditional Goombay dancers, ring play, rake n’ scrape, limbo and fire dancers, food demonstrations, a Kids’ Corner, a Junkanoo rush out and a Bahamian concert.

After two years on the virtual stage, Junkanoo Summer Festival returns as an in-person celebration, and will be held every Friday in July. The festival highlights Junkanoo, along with live music, and food.

Charity Armbrister, director of cultural and authentic events, said: “Bahamians are excited to travel to Family Islands this summer. People are excited, and we look forward to seeing everyone enjoying the culture. Visitors will have so much more to do when they arrive here on the island and these festivals present a great opportunity for them to participate in some of the island festivities. These events also generate an economic boom for all these island communities.”

For details about the festivals, visit Bahamas.com.