About the Bahamas

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The people who live in The Bahamas are predominantly of West African descent and they have embraced a panorama of native customs. A big change occurred in 1647 when English puritans immigrated to Bermuda to gain religious freedom and settled on the island of Eleuthera. The Bahamian culture has evolved over four centuries, people from many diverse backgrounds, such as British Loyalists (accompanied by slaves) fleeing America after the War of Independence, Bermudan slaves, black Seminoles from Florida, people from other Caribbean islands, as well as Chinese, Syrians and Greeks. These people with their different backgrounds, traditions and beliefs have shaped the Bahamian culture into the unique, colourful patchwork of life and lifestyles that it is today. The traditional culture of The Bahamas stems in large part from the tales, bush medicine, music and religion brought over by African slaves.  

To experience Bahamian culture and art, you should make plans to attend Junkanoo. The Bahamian festival of Junkanoo is an energetic, colourful parade of brightly costumed people gyrating and dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles, reminiscent of New Orleans' Mardi Gras and Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. The celebration occurs on December 26 and January 1 -- beginning in the early hours of the morning (2:00 a.m.) and ending at dawn. 

Many Bahamians have an artistic side, which they express through their colourful art, infectious music or exuberant dancing. When you visit The Bahamas, take time to view the local artwork. Not surprisingly, you'll see brightly coloured art that reflects the beauty of the people and their islands.

The traditional music of The Bahamas is goombay, which combines the musical traditions from Africa with that of the European colonial influence. Goombay, the Bantu word for "rhythm," also refers to the type of goatskin drum used to produce the rolling rhythm of this type of music.

Traditionally, rake and scrape music is used to accompany the Bahamian Quadrille and the Heel and Toe Polka dances -- another example of how African and European influences have blended together.

Today's rake and scrape bands use saxophones, electric guitars or other instruments in addition to saws and goombay drums. However, they still retain the original rake and scrape style.

If you attend a Junkanoo parade, you'll hear a louder, more boisterous version of goombay music. You'll also get to watch the parade participants rushin'. Not quite a dance, rushin' is more of a lively parade march consisting of two steps forward followed by one step back.
 
Some consider Bahamian sacred music, which has been influenced by colonial domination and American culture, to be its best cultural expression. Religious hymns resemble the American slave songs brought to The Bahamas during the Loyalist period. It is also common to hear contemporary African-American gospel and European classical harmonies in places of worship. In all but the strictest churches, congregational singing is accompanied by hand clapping, rhythmic possession and spiritual dancing.

Music is the most important part of Junkanoo. The rhythmic sounds of goatskin drums, cowbells and whistles -- accompanied by a separate brass section -- create an infectious beat that’s too strong to resist.