What does The Bahamas have that no other country in the world has? Well besides Junkanoo, it is our Conch Cracking Competition! Each year, McLean's Town in Grand Bahama Island hosts their Conch Cracking Contest, where people flock the usually sleepy settlement to find out who will be crowned "Best Conch Cracker".
The event usually takes place on Heroes Day (a.k.a. Columbus or Discovery Day) and this year is
Monday, October 12th. A whole day of events take place with lots of food and music, usually plaiting the maypole, three-legged races, egg in spoon race, and of course the highlight is the big cracking competition!
This year the East End Division Beauty Pageant participants will be introducing themselves to the community.
You won't want to miss this day-long event, with fun-filled activities for the entire family.
Just what is Conch Cracking?
The procedure involves hitting the third ring of the crown (base) of the conch shell with a sharp object, such as a small hatchet or axe to make a hole. Then, the mollusk (conch meat) is dislodged with a knife or by hand from its shells. The winner is the person who "cracks" the largest number of conchs within a specified time.
Festivities will be underway by 12 Noon, and the Amateur contest is set for 3pm with the National category taking place at 5pm. Trophies and prizes are awarded for the "Conch Cracking" contests in the following categories:
- Male National Champion
- Female National Champion
- Visitor
- Amateur Championship
The Competition was founded by Geoff Morgan, a former teacher of McLeans Town school in 1972.
(Information and title photo provided here by GBITB www.grand-bahama.com )
