4 ways to explore the history of the Bahamas
With maritime heritage, landmark architecture and sensational street festivals, the story of the Bahamas dates back further than you might think…
1. Join the rhythm at Junkanoo
Locals dress in incredible costumes to celebrate Junkanoo (Shutterstock)
Junkanoo is a street festival of music, dance and exquisite costumes. The first official recording of the event was 1801, but its origins are thought to date back further. It became a tradition for enslaved people from African diaspora when they were given time off around Christmas.
Now, you can catch the usual Junkanoo festivities on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day, but it’s also celebrated on many Saturdays during summer. Visit Nassau’s Educulture Junkanoo Museum for an insight into the festival’s past and present at any time.
2. Unravel Nassau’s history
Nassau is packed with historic buildings, including the Government House (Shutterstock)
The capital of the Bahamas dates back to around 1670 and has enjoyed a lively past as a privateering port, a pirate stronghold and a seat of government.
Nassau is packed with landmark sites, including the city’s Public Library and Museum, which was founded in 1837; the rose-pink Government House; the Queen’s Staircase, which was created as an escape route in case of pirate attack; and the 18th-century walls of Fort Fincastle.
3. Dive into the Bahamas Maritime Museum
The new Bahamas Maritime Museum is located in Freeport (Alamy Stock Photo)
It’s unsurprising the Bahamas has a rich maritime history. The new Bahamas Maritime Museum in Freeport, Grand Bahama, is relatively small but mighty, giving a fascinating introduction into the original inhabitants of the islands, the Lucayan people.
It also displays artefacts from historic shipwrecks, including the famous Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas, which sank off the islands in 1656.
More exhibits tell the story of the transatlantic slave trade, and also dive into the country’s thriving marine life.
4. Hear some local stories
The new ‘People-to-People’ programmes matches visitors with locals (Alamy Stock Photo)
Mix with the locals who can fill you in on tales of their upbringing and of the generations before them. The Bahamas have launched a ‘People-to-People’ programme to match visitors with volunteer local ambassadors, including ones with an interest in history and culture. Or, on less busy islands, such as Cat Island, it is easy to meet and mingle with the locals anyway.
