Top Festivals in New Providence and Paradise Islands

Winter

Bahamas International Film Festival. In early December, the Bahamas International Film Festival in Nassau celebrates cinema in paradise, with screenings, receptions, and movie-industry panels.

Authentically Bahamian Christmas Trade Show. The Authentically Bahamian Christmas Trade Show on Cable Beach showcases conch-shell jewelry, straw handbags, batiks, and other island-made crafts the first weekend of December.

Christmas Jollification. This ongoing arts-and-crafts fair with Bahamian Christmas crafts, food, and music is held at the Retreat in Nassau.

Junior Junkanoo Parade. The island's schoolchildren compete for bragging rights in the Junior Junkanoo Parade in mid-December. The parade starts at 6 pm and kids in preschool through high school rush down Bay Street, putting on an exciting show.

Junkanoo. Once Christmas dinner is over, the focus shifts to Junkanoo. The first major parade of the season starts just after midnight in downtown Nassau. There's a second parade on New Year's Day.

Spring

International Dog Show & Obedience Trials. In Nassau, watchdogs of all classes compete at the International Dog Show & Obedience Trials, held late March. Check www.bahamaskennelclub.org for location.

Summer

Junkanoo Summer Festival. Woodes Rodgers Walk is transformed during the annual Junkanoo Summer Festival held weekends during the month of July. Listen to Rake 'n' Scrape bands, watch a Junkanoo rush-out, and sample local foods.

Fox Hill Festival. The Nassau Fox Hill Festival in early August pays tribute to Emancipation with church services, Junkanoo parades, music, cookouts, games, and other festivities.

Fall

International Cultural Weekend. Eat and drink your way around the world at the International Cultural Weekend, hosted at the Botanic Gardens the third weekend of October.