Ministry of Tourism officials and leaders of Junkanoo groups collaborate to plan Junkanoo Summer Festival and Goombay Summer Festival, which are now being held at Arawak Cay.
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Events Now At Arawak Cay
Ministry of Tourism officials have announced that the
much-anticipated Junkanoo Summer and Goombay Summer Festivals have been
relocated to Arawak Cay – a move they say will create a more family
friendly environment.
Junkanoo Summer Festival is
scheduled for every Saturday in July, while Goombay Summer Festival is
scheduled for every Friday in August.
Previously, both events were held in the downtown Nassau area.
But officials changed the location to allow for newly added features.
“The
venue was changed to create a more exciting environment with less
hassle with traffic, road closures and parking challenges. The location
will cause for a more family-oriented events, where Bahamian games can
be played along with various competitions. A Kids’ Corner with new and
exciting children's attractions will also be included,” said Director of
Events at the Ministry of Tourism Charity Armbrister.
“In
addition to the Kids’ Corner and the various games and competitions we
have planned, we will capitalize on the new venue. For example,
hospitality tents with tables and chairs will be placed on the beach
side where persons can seat and enjoy their food and drinks.”
Each week of Junkanoo Summer features an electrifying event:
* Week One (July 4th): Massive Street Dance Competition:
All Category A and B groups participate in a street dance competition.
* Week Two (July 11th): Music Competition
The sounds of cowbells, horns and drums fill the air as Junkanoo groups face off in a music competition.
* Week Three (July 18th): Full Junkanoo Competition
The groups combine music, dance and costumes for a full-on Junkanoo battle.
* Week Four (July 25th): Junkanoo Finale Competition
The
best of the best in the categories of drummers, bellers and others
compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. There’s also an award
ceremony, which will climax with an all-star Bahamian Rush and concert.
Among the sponsors for this event are Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Atlantis Paradise Island.
But the summer cultural explosion doesn’t end there.
Goombay
Summer Festival begins on August 8 and showcases various cultural
delights like traditional Goombay Dancers, Ring Play, Rake n’ Scrape
Bands, Limbo and Fire Dancers, Androsia Fashion, a Kids’ Corner, Magic
Man, Face Painters, People to People Booth and a thrilling Junkanoo Rush
Out.
For more information visit www.bahamas.com/summerfestivals.