The paramount slogan in The Bahamas is “Forward, upward, onward, together,” which instills a strong sense of pride and identity among many Bahamians. Along with our national flag, these symbols encompass the essence of being a Bahamian. Furthermore, the remarkable individuals from The Bahamas who have contributed to its progress have elevated this small nation to stand alongside great nations like America, Canada, and Europe.
Even our Bahamian food stamps The Bahamas as a tourist destination that millions of people travel to experience along with sun, sand and sea. Simply put, this Bahamaland is the best little great nation in the world. On July 10, 1973, The Bahamas gained independence from Britain. The identity and culture of Bahamians began to take shape as our fathers stood united to establish the foundation for The Bahamas as it is known today.
Being an individual living in a free nation after Independence, I am thankful for the freedoms and independence that come along with it. However, I also take pride in my cultural heritage. Our sub-tropical climate is a wonderful gift that brings immense happiness. It is truly delightful to wake up to pleasant mornings filled with abundant sunlight and gentle breezes, as well as consistently warm temperatures at 80° throughout the year. Additionally, we are fortunate to have the most awe-inspiring beaches in the world that provide a desired tranquil and serene atmosphere.
In terms of lunch, the beach is the ideal location during work days. We can park our cars and witness the waves rolling over the sparkling white sands. On holidays, the beach becomes even more appealing as it offers a perfect setting for a fun-filled day with family, involving swimming, eating, constructing sand castles, and playing in the surf. The Bahamian cuisines are renowned globally and represent the dominant culture in The Bahamas.
The majority of our Bahamian dishes feature the conch, which is abundantly found in our Bahamian waters. Our menu includes steamed conch, cracked conch, conch salad, conch chowder, conch n’ rice, and conch fritters. Regardless of the location, Bahamians are willing to travel far to savor our renowned conch dishes. Fish and crab are also popular choices in The Bahamas. The most commonly consumed fish varieties are snapper, grouper, and barracudas (despite the reputed toxicity of this particular fish).
Grand Bahamians will drive to the furthest point on Grand Bahama or brave the congested traffic in Nassau to get to the native spots where these dishes are served. One cannot be a true Bahamian unless they have the enthusiasm and excitement of Junaknoo flowing through their veins. Junaknoo is celebrated on a national scale on the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day holidays. During this time, most Bahamians come out in full force to cheer on their favorite groups. The Saxons and The Valley Boys, located in Nassau, are the most popular groups.
These groups have become so integrated into our culture that many Bahamians support them as strongly as they would their preferred political party. The music and intricately designed costumes have captivated audiences worldwide for numerous years. Alongside this, there are various other native traditions that a genuine Bahamian associates with, such as being deeply religious and having a strong affinity for shopping in the USA. Above all else, being truly Bahamian means cherishing what we possess and transmitting it to future generations to guarantee the preservation of our culture.
