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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Very true! It was a short stay, but I had a great time. I’ll be back for a cruise in December.
I love seeing photos of carnival celebrations! I want my own costume, lol!
I think it is fun to make. Just get a plain bathing suit and go to town. Wondering if I should do a mini tutorial…
That would be a great future blog post!
As much as I love to travel, I’ve not been to the Bahamas. Thanks for this, gives me another spot to consider!
You’re welcome. I’ll be back in December and hope to explore more if Nassau
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.
OMG that’s so cool! I hear the carnival in Hollywood, CA is pretty good.
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!
It is new and still pretty affordable. Carnival in the Caribbean is awesome.
NICE!!! I’ve never been to a carnival celebration but this looks fun…they always look fun when I see pictures.
It’s a lot of walking, jumping and fun in general
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.
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.
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 🙂
Trinidad Carnival was my first time playing. It was expensive but definitely worth it. I LOVE Caribana!
I wasn’t aware of carnival celebration in Bahamas. I hope to attend one of these in the future. Thanks for the information.
They just started it 3 years ago. Junkanoo is their “thing” so there are other festivals throughout the year.
I have never been to or seen a carnival celebration but it looks like a lot of fun. The costumes are always so elaborate!
It is so much fun! I love it because it shows creativity and country pride.
Oh, wow! This sounds like a really nice event. Ive never been to the Bahamas but when I do go I want to enjoy learning about the history. And of course some good food!
I wish I stayed longer. I LOVE eating local foods