The Festival That Displays What It Means To Be Bahamian
And then it was on to tasting the pepper sauces with a bunch of other randomly selected persons plucked out of the crowd to judge, with Kira Horton of Bentonite Beauty Clay’s pepper sauce declared the winner on the day.
Bahamians and visitors alike seeking that true Bahamian experience had it all at the fourth annual festival that featured food favorites, arts and crafts, games, competitions, entertainment and a Junkanoo rush-out at the John Watling’s Distillery.
From children’s games such as the egg and spoon race, hula hoop, needle and thread race and dance like a Bahamian; and competitions including musical chairs, a sack race, washing competition and skipping race; to activities such as kite flying, Bahamian storytelling, ring play, children’s pineapple eating contest and plaiting the maypole; to performances from the Gerald Cash Primary School Rake & Scrape Band, Lady E, Ira Storr & the Spank Band, Tingum Dem Band and a Junkanoo Commandos rushout, they were the experiences to be had, even though inclement weather played havoc with the schedule at the two-day Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association-hosted event.
The festival highlighted Bahamian culture and history as evidenced by the diverse schedule of activities that showcased a variety of traditional, culturally-based Bahamian activities and authentic Bahamian food and drink, art, crafts, music and dance.
The festival also brought together Bahamian artisans and art, crafts and sundry vendors who showcased candles, soaps, scrubs, teas, jewelry, straw goods, spices and jams.
The festival, which began in 2015, showcases what makes each island individually unique and what each lends to traditions, handicrafts, food and drink, the environment and celebrations of song and dance.
By Shavaughn Moss
The Nassau Guardian
February 8, 2019
