Experience Bahamian Culture at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

How to Celebrate Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Weekend

There’s always a uniqueness to every city and country that hosts Carnival. Needless to say, I was extremely excited to be invited by Bahamas Tourism to cover the Bahamas Carnival in Nassau just a few days after my birthday trip to Martinique.

What is Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival?

Celebrating its third year, Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is a week-long celebration incorporating Bahamian culture with the traditional carnival experience. Locals and tourists from all over immerse themselves in all things Bahamian including food, music, art, and other crafts. If you’re a spectator and have never experienced mas in the Bahamas, here are some ways to celebrate Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Weekend.

Road Fever Parade - Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Weekend

Learn About Bahamas Junkanoo Culture

While you’re visiting Nassau for Bahamas Carnival, you can learn about the Bahamas and the Junkanoo culture in the many museums around the island. Owned by Quinton “Barabbas” Woodside, the Junkanoo World Museum and Arts Centre gives the history of Bahamas Junkanoo culture and showcases costumes and photos of past festivals. Read about our group’s experience at Junkanoo World Museum from travel and entertainment writer Dyschick.

Attend the Bahamas Carnival Events

Visit Da Cultural Village for events catering to individuals and families. Jam to live music while eating Bahamian delicacies in the food courts. Shuttle buses are available from major hotels or you can take a 10-minute walk from Downtown Nassau. JunkaMania kicks off the carnival celebration, showcasing the mas of local bands. Hear local and international artists perform at the Music Masters Concert and Competition. View the Parade of the Bands of Bahamas masqueraders and DJ’s at the Road Fever Street Party which concludes the carnival celebration. Much like international carnivals in the Caribbean, there are also a number of night-time fetes (parties) for revelers.

Dyson Knight Road Fever Parade - Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Weekend
Local Artist Dyson Knight at the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Road Fever Parade
Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival - Masquerader at the Road Fever Parade
Masquerader at the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Road Fever Parade

Do Other Activities in Nassau

I always encourage learning about a country’s local culture no matter the destination. The Bahamas is more than white sand beaches and conch fritters. Take a mini-break from Bahamas  Carnival to see what Nassau & Paradise Island has to offer. Some activities and excursions around Nassau include a bike tour with the Warwick Paradise Island‘s Resort, rum tasting at John Watlings Distillery, or the Straw Market for hand-made gifts. You can also visit the Atlantis Resort for dining, aquarium, water park fun, and more.

How To Celebrate Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Weekend 

Read More Caribbean Travel Guides Below

How to Spend a Day at the Warwick Bahamas

A Weekend at the Bougainvillea Beach Resort Barbados

5 Things I Can’t Wait to do in Curacao

Have you experienced Bahamas Carnival?

23 thoughts on “Experience Bahamian Culture at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival

  1. Ramona Collins says:

    I love the Bahamas. I was there in 2015. I really enjoyed it. I had never heard of the Junkanoo Carnival before your post. It looks like a fun time. You can’t go wrong with partying in Nassau!

  2. CJ | Thirty30Courtney.com says:

    My neo is from the Bahamas and Junkanoo was the theme for her wedding. It definitely is an experience I want to have… or anybody’s carnival. I miss living up North or in Miami because the culture was felt. In Texas… not so much lol.

  3. Kiwi says:

    I would love to attend Junkaroo. I have done Carnival in the states but my goal is to do Carnival in the Caribbean and be apart of Mas!

  4. Carissa (The Green Eyed Lady) says:

    NICE!!! I’ve never been to a carnival celebration but this looks fun…they always look fun when I see pictures.

  5. mimicutelips says:

    The Junkanoo Carnival costumes are beautiful. I always adore Carnival looks. I’ve still not made it to Jamaica, I’ve got to get there. I love to experience new cultures.

    • Joanna E says:

      The Carnival in Jamaica is usually April. My friend went and had a great time. There are some in the smaller islands too and they’re more affordable.

  6. Sassy Critic Beauty says:

    I bet that was so much fun! I’ve been to Caribana, Miami Carnival, and Atlanta carnival but never one in the islands, but it’s on my to-do list! I’ve always wanted to be in costume 🙂

  7. staciesayzso says:

    I have never been to or seen a carnival celebration but it looks like a lot of fun. The costumes are always so elaborate!

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