Here’s a quick look …
Christmas in Downtown Nassau
Downtown Nassau is transformed into a Bahamian Christmas wonderland, with Bay Street and Arawak Cay brought to life by twinkling lights, decorations and a Christmas tree.
Junkanoo Parades – Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
Junkanoo is a joyous act of resilience that began when enslaved West Africans were given three days off at Christmas to celebrate their heritage. Thousands of dancers in hand-crafted costumes made of crepe paper, cardboard and feathers – some towering 15 feet – rush down Bay Street to the rhythm of goatskin drums, brass horns and cowbells. Nassau’s parades are the largest and most competitive, but Grand Bahama, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco host their own versions.
Junkanoo celebrations in The Bahamas
New Year’s Eve at Atlantis Paradise Island & Baha Mar
Two of the Caribbean’s biggest parties usher in the new year in style. Atlantis turns its entire resort into a neon wonderland with international DJs, celebrity performers and fireworks. Baha Mar counters with a black-tie optional gala, rooftop parties and a midnight firework show synchronized to live music.
Lead image caption: Celebrating with a festive Bahamian send-off at YHZ are (l-r) Bahamian music group Culture Shock; Marie Manning, VP, Business Development & CCO, HIAA; Mikala Moss, GM Sales and Marketing, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; Judy Munden, Key Accounts Manager, ACV; Brent Carnegie, VP, Canlink Travel Representatives (photo courtesy Mike Dembeck)