Bahamas Festival Guide 2025: Discover 5 Celebrations You Can't Miss
The Bahamas: A bright, beautiful costume participates in the New Year's Day Junkanoo Street Parade. Possibly no festival best taps into the essence and heartbeat of Bahamian culture then the Junkanoo Festival.
The Bahamas is so much more than just endless sun and gorgeous beaches. It's also jam-packed with entertaining and culturally fascinating festivals. From Easter celebrations that put the focus on local flavors and coconut-inspired treats, to summer get-togethers pulsing with Junkanoo music, the islands know how to put on a festival. Here are just 5 you need to check out in 2025.
Pelican Point Coconut Festival
On April 21, go coco for coconuts at the Pelican Point Coconut Festival on the eastern shores of Grand Bahama. Located in lovely Pelican Point, this lively spring-themed festival presents an endless array of coconut-inspired culinary creations, ranging from luscious sweets to savory dishes, all with the goal of highlighting the amazing versatility of this tropical favorite. Non-foodies will appreciate the chance to shop for unique handcrafted coconut jewelry and artisanal goods for a one-of-a-kind souvenir that's truly emblematic of the island.
Pineapple Festival
Pineapple lovers, rejoice! The golden fruit of the gods finally gets its due at Eleuthera's Pineapple Festival. Running from June 6 to June 7, it's fitting that Eleuthera hosts the homage to this heavenly, honey-sweet fruit as it's said to produce some of the tastiest, juiciest pineapples in the world. This annual event celebrates the king of fruit with a weekend of pineapple-themed fun, from cooking competitions and tastings, to live music, dance performances and a lively parade. Local farmers come in from all over the island for the chance to proudly showcase their harvest.
There's possibly no better festival to see Bahamian culture on full display in all its wonderful forms then at the season-long Goombay Summer Festival.
Goombay Summer Festival
There's possibly no better festival to see Bahamian culture on full display in all its wonderful forms then at the season-long Goombay Summer Festival. Running from June to August 2025, the event begins in San Salvador and Abaco, and is a not-to-be-missed tribute to island traditions, featuring exhilarating Junkanoo rush-outs, energizing Bahamian music and delectable regional cuisine. Every single destination adds its own special magical touch to the proceedings, with the Regatta Site in South Andros presenting one of the most unmissable events on July 9, 2025. Whether you're stuffing yourself silly with conch fritters, moving to the infectious sounds of goatskin drums or just serenely soaking up the singular atmosphere, the Goombay Summer Festival is a memorable cultural experience.
Independence Day
Annually on July 10, The Bahamas overflows with national pride as the islands proudly commemorate their Independence Day. Marking the nation's liberation from British rule in 1973, the day is filled with a spellbinding array of activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, live concerts, traditional Bahamian feasts, dance performances and fireworks. It's a special time where locals and visitors unite to embrace the spirit of the island.
Junkanoo
Possibly no festival best taps into the essence and heartbeat of Bahamian culture then the Junkanoo Festival. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1), Junkanoo is an ebullient event bursting with music, dance and artistry. This iconic parade showcases elaborately costumed groups of people, rhythmic goat-skin drums, tasty local treats and spirited dancers moving in sync with the beguiling beats. Much more than just a simple parade, Junkanoo is a world-renowned expression of Bahamian pride and community spirit. If you can only attend one festival, Junkanoo is it.
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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
The Bahamas' Most Beautiful, Underrated Island Has a New Hotel on a Working Farm—and It's Already a Favorite Among Celebrities
This brand-new Bahamas hotel is on a fully operational Eleuthera Island farm. The hotel runs completely on solar power and nearly everything you eat on The Farm comes from the land you're staying on. The property is a 10-minute shuttle to the airport, a five-minute walk to the beach, and a quick ferry ride to shops and restaurants on nearby Harbour Island. The design is inspired by a famous South African winery, and its rustic, tropical elegance is something you'll find nowhere else in the Bahamas.'It's down the road just five minutes,' she said. 'No turns. You can't miss it.' My girlfriend and I thanked our concierge at the front desk of The Other Side Hotel on the Bahamas' Eleuthera island—the beachside boutique our ferry dropped us off at—and headed inland. The dirt path went up and down again with no sign of the accommodations we had booked for the next few days. Was it even real? The photos and videos we saw of The Farm, a new hotel on Eleuthera island, before the trip did make it seem too good to be true. And then, rising up another hill, we saw it, almost appearing out of nowhere: An expansive piece of property with swaying palm trees, 200 sweet-smelling garden beds, and thatched-roofed cottages scattered along the outer edges. 'It's a little oasis in the jungle,' said Ben Simmons, founder of The Farm. Simmons, who also runs Harbour Island's Ocean View and Eleuthera's The Other Side, actually built the farm part of The Farm back in 2018. It provided fruits and vegetables and eggs (there are about 70 clucking chickens on-site) to the kitchens of his two hotels and his wedding business. But Simmons—who acquired the land in a squabble that dates back to a dramatic 18th-century sea battle involving his Eleutheran ancestors defeating the much more powerful Spaniards—had bigger plans for his agricultural oasis. He wanted to grow his business, he wanted to increase the number of Bahamian-owned properties in the Caribbean, and, most importantly, he wanted to instill in travelers and locals the ideas of sustainability and living off the Caribbean's rich, fertile land. So, five years later, he thought, why not also build another hotel on the farm? The Farm opened in November 2024 as part of Simmons' Little Island Hotel chain. His team envisions it being a place for visitors to stay, but also to learn about gardening and growing. He hopes to arrange speakers and seminars during the low seasons. He also plans to expand the gardens, the diversity of crops, and the number of chickens. Celebrities like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter have already found their way to The Farm's exceptional Sunday Brunch. Eli Manning's family stayed on property a few weeks ago. Even Kendall Jenner's assistant got married among the mangos and avocado trees this past winter. Still, even with all that fanfare, when you're here, it's like nobody else is around. All I heard were the bees humming inside the flowers, someone slipping quietly into the pool, and the whoosh of a welcome breeze finding its way from the nearby Atlantic. Here's all you need to know about The Farm on Eleuthera island. There are 12 cottages dotted around the lush vegetable and flower beds. The eight larger accommodations are 1,024 square feet ($550 to $600 per night)—with king-size beds, wide verandas, and an open-plan layout—while four are smaller at 540 square feet ($350 to $400 per night) and can have a king-size bed or two twins. Our larger cottage was located at the far end of the property along the inviting freshwater pool. As soon as we stepped in through the wooden dutch doors, we immediately felt at ease. Simmons says his inspiration came from South Africa's Babylonstoren winery, noting the gentle curves on the cottage roofs. A plush king-size bed, two couches, and an ever-so-tempting standalone bath made up the inside. Every accommodation also includes strong Wi-Fi, ample AC, a Nespresso machine, a waterfall shower, and a tea kettle. 'The subtle message is that the farming life can be hard, rugged, almost austere,' he said, when describing the construction. 'But it is luxurious in its provision of health, food, community, and connectivity to nature.' Much of the food, of course, comes from the grounds around you. The Farm has a main kitchen, where there are complimentary breakfasts of fruit, veggies, yogurt, and coffee. You can also order from a menu of mostly egg dishes. The eggs, of course, are plucked from the hen house each morning. I was partial to the egg sandwich with a side salad, because I watched the waiter go out to the garden and fill a bowl full of greens after I ordered the salad. The Farm is reservation-only for lunch and dinner—priority booking is given to guests staying at the resort. Those meals are comprised of vegetables from the garden and fish caught that day out at sea. No meat is on the menu. Guests can also dine by the beach at The Other Side, just a five-minute walk away; we did for a delicious mac-and-cheese and ribs combo one night. Or, the wonderful concierge Allie Saunders can arrange a ferry and golf cart for you to visit Harbour Island, just a 10-minute boat ride away. On Harbour Island, we ate at the Coral Sands' Pink (very ornately-pink) Mermaid for dinner one evening, an Italian seafood haven overlooking the ocean. And, of course, there is Sunday Brunch at The Farm: A communal, family-style soirée in the garden under the centrally located Yellow Elder trees. It's a must-do event with fresh food, expertly-mixed drinks, and laughter among new friends and old. The pool is the crown jewel of The Farm. The 576-square-foot gem is perfect for wading, doing morning laps, or just lazing alongside with a good book. And lazing around is, well, mostly what you do on The Farm. There are also outdoor ping-pong and billiard tables—plus a rustic-chic gym—for active guests. And, if you tire of lounging in the shade of one of The Farm's avocado trees, you can walk over to The Other Side's private beach. Here, you can go for a sunset paddleboard. The resort also offers free snorkeling along the nearby coral reef. You'll run into turtles, rainbow fish, and even octopuses in the shallow, crystal-clear waters. There is no spa at The Farm—yet. The team says they plan on adding one in 2026: A deluxe hut with a cold-plunge pool. For now, guests can book in-room or poolside massages. Although I can't personally vouch for the family-friendly offerings, Simmons and The Farm certainly encourage families to visit. The Sunday Brunch is a huge draw for large families and their children, with space to wander and swim and partake in an aforementioned billiard or ping-pong match. Cottages can obviously be booked for family vacations or reunions. And Simmons wants the younger generation to learn why it's important to grow your own food—both for your health and the environment. Kids can help feed the chickens or pick tomatoes with the help of the always-friendly head groundskeeper, Richard. Sustainability is the reason The Farm was created. The property is 100 percent powered by solar panels, which absorb energy from both the sun above and the ground below. The kitchen uses plastic sparingly, there are 10 compost stations—with 15 more on the way—and all vegetables are grown organically with no weed killers or toxins. 'We believe calling ourselves sustainable means we also must be efficient,' Simmons said. 'So while the panels power our facility, they also provide shade to our chickens who process our food scraps and feed our plant beds. The panels also protect our hydroponic and propagation stations.' The Farm team is all-in on the idea of living off the rich, fertile soil they've been blessed with in the Bahamas. And they plan on expanding their plot—adding citrus trees and maybe a farm stand next season. Sustainable tourism is as prevalent as it could be in the Caribbean, and The Farm hopes to encourage other hotels to follow its lead. The Farm is about a 13-minute car ride from tiny North Eleuthera Airport. It's also a short ferry ride from Harbour Island. The Farm's concierge can help arrange either of these transfers. They'll also assist you in renting your own car to explore the island—including nearby Gregory Town or local haunts like Daddy Joe's or Tippy's beach bar. Because of its small, boutique size, The Farm doesn't currently have relationships with any major credit cards or reward programs. Room pricing, especially in the low season, is a steal; the smallest cottages start at $350 a night. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Yahoo
6 days ago
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MSC Cruises' ship meets Mother Nature in scary situation
MSC Cruises' ship meets Mother Nature in scary situation originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. MSC Seascape recently faced the wrath of Mother Nature while in the Bahamas. Cruise Ships have state-of-the-art navigation and propulsion systems and can usually prepare to handle any weather situation that pops up, although sometimes they are vulnerable. They can weather heavy weather, storms, and sea conditions, but they have a weak in general are designed to withstand lots of forces applied to the decks and hulls and are built to last many, many years. Cruise ships can weather heavy seas, including 20-plus-feet swells and gusts exceeding 50 knots while at sea; however, the situation at the dock is a different story. MSC Seascape recently faced a squall line of wind and rain cutting through the Bahamas and over their exclusive island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Seascape left Port of Miami Friday, May 29 for a Bahamian weekend cruise to Nassau on May 30 and 31 to Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. While Seascape was at the dock moored around 3 p.m., lines attached to the dock took heavy winds on their starboard side, and with too much pressure from winds, the lines exceeded their holding capacity. . How cruise ship captains keep you safe in bad weather (1:34) MSC Seascape was moored for the day for passengers to enjoy the private island and was scheduled to leave at 8 p.m. While passengers enjoyed the day on Ocean Cay, Mother Nature sent a squall line of weather that impacted their day. As passengers were heading back to the ship for safety and to get out of the wind and rain, the main bow lines began to snap/break, leaving the ships bow to go adrift. Immediately the alarm came from the ship. Crew sprang into action to secure the ship and hold passengers back from boarding as the ship unexpectedly pulled away from the dock and gangways, leaving everyone stranded. There was a passenger injured, but due to the fast-acting crew, there were only minor injuries, and the crew managed the emergency flawlessly as trained. In my 20-plus years working around ships and ports in the United States Coast Guard, I have a working knowledge and understanding of the dynamic forces that impact ships at sea and while moored at the dock. Let's look at some common questions: Cruise ships and weather: how do they deal with the ever-changing and unexpected storms? Cruise ships have weather forecasters on board, as well as crew trained to watch and forecast upcoming weather events that may impact their journey to destinations. What and how do they prepare for weather impacts? Cruise lines look at forecasts days ahead of their voyage, consider what they may face and constantly monitor while at sea or in a port. "Captains don't want to put a billion-dollar cruise ship in harm's way," is something Come Cruise With Me Executive Editor Dan Kline says a lot. . In this case with MSC Seascape at Ocean Cay, the ship was aware of a last-minute storm approaching. But like on land at home, in rare cases, storms can develop rapidly in hours or even minutes and can exceed expected forecasts. In this case, the storm produced heavy wind gusts that put significant pressure on the bow and starboard side where the securing/mooring lines failed, leaving the bow to go adrift. The bow of a ship is the lightest part of the ship and therefore more susceptible to being pushed around unless underway. When ships are at the dock, this is their weak point/most vulnerable spot as they are left to the winds, seas condition, and currents. As seen with Seascape, winds can impact the stability and security of the ship. When ships are at sea and underway (moving through the water), they have great control and can handle heavy storms and seas with ease. Ships' hulls direct the water around the ship efficiently and slice through the water, giving great control. This is similar to a Nascar racer driving at the Daytona 500. When driving at high speeds, the air/winds over the car apply down pressure, giving the car an ability to go faster with more control and stability. However, when cruise ships are docked/moored, or adrift without propulsion, they are in peril to Mother Nature and the forces of the seas and winds. Cruise ship mooring lines can hold enormous pressure, but they have a breaking point. Mooring line breaking strength (MBS) is how they are rated. Typically, a 4' mooring line (typically used by cruise ships) made of Dyneema (polyester, nylon, polypropylene) can hold a million pounds of pressure applied and extreme pressures. But forces like UV [rays], extreme heat, and salt water can alter or diminish the strength of the lines and their ability to optimally perform under high pressure when applied unexpectedly or relentlessly. In the case of MSC Seascape, the perfect storm, in a sense, struck the ship from the side and pushed the mooring lines beyond their limits. This can happen, and ships can only prepare for the expected, not something that very rarely happens. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
The Bahamas' Most Beautiful, Underrated Island Has a New Hotel on a Working Farm—and It's Already a Favorite Among Celebrities
This brand-new Bahamas hotel is on a fully operational Eleuthera Island farm. The hotel runs completely on solar power and nearly everything you eat on The Farm comes from the land you're staying on. The property is a 10-minute shuttle to the airport, a five-minute walk to the beach, and a quick ferry ride to shops and restaurants on nearby Harbour Island. The design is inspired by a famous South African winery, and its rustic, tropical elegance is something you'll find nowhere else in the Bahamas. 'It's down the road just five minutes,' she said. 'No turns. You can't miss it.' My girlfriend and I thanked our concierge at the front desk of The Other Side Hotel on the Bahamas' Eleuthera island—the beachside boutique our ferry dropped us off at—and headed inland. The dirt path went up and down again with no sign of the accommodations we had booked for the next few days. Was it even real? The photos and videos we saw of The Farm, a new hotel on Eleuthera island, before the trip did make it seem too good to be true. And then, rising up another hill, we saw it, almost appearing out of nowhere: An expansive piece of property with swaying palm trees, 200 sweet-smelling garden beds, and thatched-roofed cottages scattered along the outer edges. 'It's a little oasis in the jungle,' said Ben Simmons, founder of The Farm. Lounge furniture sits around a firepit at The Farm. Jody Zorn Photography/Little Island Hotels Simmons, who also runs Harbour Island's Ocean View and Eleuthera's The Other Side, actually built the farm part of The Farm back in 2018. It provided fruits and vegetables and eggs (there are about 70 clucking chickens on-site) to the kitchens of his two hotels and his wedding business. But Simmons—who acquired the land in a squabble that dates back to a dramatic 18th-century sea battle involving his Eleutheran ancestors defeating the much more powerful Spaniards—had bigger plans for his agricultural oasis. He wanted to grow his business, he wanted to increase the number of Bahamian-owned properties in the Caribbean, and, most importantly, he wanted to instill in travelers and locals the ideas of sustainability and living off the Caribbean's rich, fertile land. So, five years later, he thought, why not also build another hotel on the farm? The Farm opened in November 2024 as part of Simmons' Little Island Hotel chain. His team envisions it being a place for visitors to stay, but also to learn about gardening and growing. He hopes to arrange speakers and seminars during the low seasons. He also plans to expand the gardens, the diversity of crops, and the number of chickens. Celebrities like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter have already found their way to The Farm's exceptional Sunday Brunch. Eli Manning's family stayed on property a few weeks ago. Even Kendall Jenner's assistant got married among the mangos and avocado trees this past winter. Still, even with all that fanfare, when you're here, it's like nobody else is around. All I heard were the bees humming inside the flowers, someone slipping quietly into the pool, and the whoosh of a welcome breeze finding its way from the nearby Atlantic. Here's all you need to know about The Farm on Eleuthera island. There are 12 cottages dotted around the lush vegetable and flower beds. The eight larger accommodations are 1,024 square feet ($550 to $600 per night)—with king-size beds, wide verandas, and an open-plan layout—while four are smaller at 540 square feet ($350 to $400 per night) and can have a king-size bed or two twins. Our larger cottage was located at the far end of the property along the inviting freshwater pool. As soon as we stepped in through the wooden dutch doors, we immediately felt at ease. Simmons says his inspiration came from South Africa's Babylonstoren winery, noting the gentle curves on the cottage roofs. A plush king-size bed, two couches, and an ever-so-tempting standalone bath made up the inside. Every accommodation also includes strong Wi-Fi, ample AC, a Nespresso machine, a waterfall shower, and a tea kettle. 'The subtle message is that the farming life can be hard, rugged, almost austere,' he said, when describing the construction. 'But it is luxurious in its provision of health, food, community, and connectivity to nature.' Much of the food, of course, comes from the grounds around you. The Farm has a main kitchen, where there are complimentary breakfasts of fruit, veggies, yogurt, and coffee. You can also order from a menu of mostly egg dishes. The eggs, of course, are plucked from the hen house each morning. I was partial to the egg sandwich with a side salad, because I watched the waiter go out to the garden and fill a bowl full of greens after I ordered the salad. The Farm is reservation-only for lunch and dinner—priority booking is given to guests staying at the resort. Those meals are comprised of vegetables from the garden and fish caught that day out at sea. No meat is on the menu. Guests can also dine by the beach at The Other Side, just a five-minute walk away; we did for a delicious mac-and-cheese and ribs combo one night. Or, the wonderful concierge Allie Saunders can arrange a ferry and golf cart for you to visit Harbour Island, just a 10-minute boat ride away. On Harbour Island, we ate at the Coral Sands' Pink (very ornately-pink) Mermaid for dinner one evening, an Italian seafood haven overlooking the ocean. And, of course, there is Sunday Brunch at The Farm: A communal, family-style soirée in the garden under the centrally located Yellow Elder trees. It's a must-do event with fresh food, expertly-mixed drinks, and laughter among new friends and old. Lounge chairs sit around the outdoor pool. Jody Zorn Photography/Little Island Hotels The pool is the crown jewel of The Farm. The 576-square-foot gem is perfect for wading, doing morning laps, or just lazing alongside with a good book. And lazing around is, well, mostly what you do on The Farm. There are also outdoor ping-pong and billiard tables—plus a rustic-chic gym—for active guests. And, if you tire of lounging in the shade of one of The Farm's avocado trees, you can walk over to The Other Side's private beach. Here, you can go for a sunset paddleboard. The resort also offers free snorkeling along the nearby coral reef. You'll run into turtles, rainbow fish, and even octopuses in the shallow, crystal-clear waters. There is no spa at The Farm—yet. The team says they plan on adding one in 2026: A deluxe hut with a cold-plunge pool. For now, guests can book in-room or poolside massages. Although I can't personally vouch for the family-friendly offerings, Simmons and The Farm certainly encourage families to visit. The Sunday Brunch is a huge draw for large families and their children, with space to wander and swim and partake in an aforementioned billiard or ping-pong match. Cottages can obviously be booked for family vacations or reunions. And Simmons wants the younger generation to learn why it's important to grow your own food—both for your health and the environment. Kids can help feed the chickens or pick tomatoes with the help of the always-friendly head groundskeeper, Richard. Sustainability is the reason The Farm was created. The property is 100 percent powered by solar panels, which absorb energy from both the sun above and the ground below. The kitchen uses plastic sparingly, there are 10 compost stations—with 15 more on the way—and all vegetables are grown organically with no weed killers or toxins. 'We believe calling ourselves sustainable means we also must be efficient,' Simmons said. 'So while the panels power our facility, they also provide shade to our chickens who process our food scraps and feed our plant beds. The panels also protect our hydroponic and propagation stations.' The Farm team is all-in on the idea of living off the rich, fertile soil they've been blessed with in the Bahamas. And they plan on expanding their plot—adding citrus trees and maybe a farm stand next season. Sustainable tourism is as prevalent as it could be in the Caribbean, and The Farm hopes to encourage other hotels to follow its lead. The Farm is about a 13-minute car ride from tiny North Eleuthera Airport. It's also a short ferry ride from Harbour Island. The Farm's concierge can help arrange either of these transfers. They'll also assist you in renting your own car to explore the island—including nearby Gregory Town or local haunts like Daddy Joe's or Tippy's beach bar. Because of its small, boutique size, The Farm doesn't currently have relationships with any major credit cards or reward programs. Room pricing, especially in the low season, is a steal; the smallest cottages start at $350 a night. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
