Celebrating All Things Coconut

Located in the quaint and rustic settlement of Pelican Point, the Pelican Point Coconut Festival has become one of the biggest cultural events held on Grand Bahama Island to date.

Over the past two decades, the annual event has attracted hundreds of residents and visitors to the festival site where attendees are surrounded by a beautiful beach and treated to coconut themed dishes and activities.

This year, the Pelican Point Coconut Festival will once again attract large crowds with its rich display of culture and live performances by some of the country’s top performing artists, such as KB, Stileet, the Trouble Band, Nehemiah Hield, and the Classic Dancers Junkanoo Group, scheduled for Easter Monday.

In a press conference held on Tuesday, March 27th on Taino Beach, Hettlynn Nelson, a member of the Pelican Point Coconut Festival Committee, said, "This year we have upgraded the premises to include the clearing of a vast amount of land designated for vehicle parking convenience. Additionally, we have added more vendors for your convenience and we are not diminishing the taste of the food."

Known as one of the best festivals to attend during the Easter weekend, the event is recognized both nationally and internationally by guests who travel from Canada, the United States, Europe, and many of the islands in The Bahamas.

Nelson added that "We look forward to this event yearly, as it showcases the friendliness and the courteous personalities of the people in East End. You will be grateful for this kind of experience!"

The festival displays the wide array of popular dishes made with coconut. Those in attendance can expect to indulge in coconut cakes, tarts, truffles, shrimp, rice, conch, fritters, and even coconut fried bread.

Festivalgoers can also take part in the coconut barking contest which always proves to be one of the most exciting activities of the day.

As cultural festivals are important to the development of the island’s tourism product, Elaine Smith, Coordinator, Product Development Department, Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA), said, "We recognize that we must continue to support local endeavors

which tell the story of our past and highlight the value of our history. As in past years, we expect that this year’s festival will attract hundreds of residents and visitors to the eastern end of the island."

With the Pelican Point Coconut Festival being one of Grand Bahama Island's signature cultural events, Smith said, "The Ministry of Tourism is always proud to partner with the residents and descendants of Pelican Point to stage the settlement’s staple homecoming festival."

The Festival will officially begin at 11:00 am on Monday, April 2nd. The Ministry of Tourism will provide free round trip transportation, beginning at 1:00 pm, between the hotels in the Freeport Area and the festival site.