Bahamas: Culture and Arts
29 islands against a backdrop of blue
Most people come to the Bahamas to enjoy the beaches, weather, resorts, party atmosphere and water based activities, so the Bahamas are not a major culture and arts destination. Even so, the islands do have an interesting culture and history, which can be seen and experienced through festivals such as Junkanoo, a lively carnival of art, music and dance and the Bahamian folk religion of Obeah, both of which highlight the African heritage of the Bahamas. The historic Old Town of Nassau has an interesting mix of colonial Caribbean architecture, as does Harbour Island, with its charming pastel-colored clapboard houses. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas in Nassau is worth visiting if you’re interested in checking out local artists during your holiday in the Bahamas, and the Pirate Museum is a fun, if corny, tribute to the islands’ romanticized lawless past.
