The majority of Bahamians are of West African descent who were enslaved and brought to the island to work on cotton plantations. Their African heritage is expressed in every part of their culture from the colorful art to the cuisine and traditions. Music plays a big part in Bahamian culture. Throughout the islands, you’ll hear traces of African rhythms, Caribbean calypso, English folk songs and the unique Bahamian goombay traditional music, which combines African musical traditions with European colonial influences. Goombay can be traced back to slavery and is storytelling and dancing performed to a fast-tempoed “goom-bahhh” beat on a goatskin drum.

African slaves had very few resources to create instruments. Rake and scrape bands had drums made out of a pork barrel and goatskin, a carpenter’s saw that was scraped with a metal file, maracas, rhythm sticks, and a bass violin made from a washtub and string. Today, rake and scrape bands use modern instruments mixed with saws and goatskin drums. 

Bahamian cuisine is spicy and uniquely flavored. Seafood is the staple of the local diet. Fresh conch scored with a knife and sprinkled with lime juice and spices is delicious. Other delicacies you’ll enjoy are land crabs and the Bahamian “rock lobster.” Dishes are served with pigeon peas and rice mixed with spices, tomatoes and onions.

Junkanoo, an incredibly energetic, colorful parade is uniquely Bahamian and exists nowhere else. Bahamians dress in brightly colored costumes and dance to the music of cowbells, drums, horns and whistles. It is widely believed that Junkanoo was created by John Canoe, an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after he was brought to the West Indies as a slave.

Celebrated since the 16th or 17th century, today Junkanoo has grown into an organized event with groups of up to 1,000 persons competing for cash prizes for best music, best costume, dancer, banner and best overall group presentation. Traditionally held on New Year’s Day, Boxing Day and Independence Day, parades are also held during the annual “Junkanoo Summer Festival” and the “Just Rush” competition. In addition, many hotels offer Junkanoo shows for their guests throughout the year.