The Abacos

The second Monday in October, formerly known as "Discovery Day" or "Columbus Day," has now been dedicated to honoring Bahamian national heroes since 2013. An official National Heroes Day ceremony is held with a keynote speech by the Prime Minister, and heroes from a cross-section of civil society are celebrated with a week of activities.

Many people enjoy the day with family gatherings and beach picnics.

This holiday, on the first Monday in August, celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the British colonies in 1834. It is celebrated with a Junkanoo Rush-out, a day of beaching, sailing, and regattas in most islands.

On New Providence, old slave villages such as Gambier in the west and Fox Hill in the east have their own special celebrations.

This holiday was granted to slaves the day after Christmas, when they were given the boxes left over from their master’s gifts. These boxes usually were sent from England and were well-crafted from fine wood. Hence the holiday is known as Boxing Day.

Junkanoo parades take place on some islands to commemorate the day.

This holiday commemorates the day when The Bahamas became a fully independent nation on July 10, 1973, separating from the United Kingdom. However, we remain a member of The Commonwealth of Nations.

The Christmas holiday is celebrated in The Bahamas with many carnivals and festivals. We also have adopted many of the same traditions and customs of other countries. These include gift-giving, feasting and sending Christmas cards.

This holiday marks the end of the Easter cycle and the beginning of public witness of the Christian church. It is the Monday after Whit Sunday, The Feast of Pentecost, which comes 50 days after Easter.

This event promises to get your adrenalin pumping. Box carts of all descriptions are designed and constructed by Elbow Cay locals and patrons, in time to participate in the annual 'Big Hill Box Cart' challenge and family fun day at the Hope Town race site. Participants can compete in the junior or senior category, and register on site before the race begins. Entry is free.

At this annual celebration of arts and crafts, local and international artists have their paintings, jewelry, carvings and other unique creations on display. While shopping and enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can also satisfy your appetite by sampling an assortment of tasty local hors d'oeuvres and sparkling drinks.

The celebration will feature the historical Guy Fawkes Competition, where judging of the Best Guy and Dancing of the Guy will be the highlight of the night. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to feast on delicious Bahamian food and drinks and gather around a huge bonfire with family and friends. Funds raised from this event will assist the Annual Island Roots Heritage Festival that is held the first weekend in May.

For the past seven years, many families have gathered together for a weekend of fun-filled sporting activities that encourages participation by all family members. There will be a one-mile open water swim, 5k Sprint & Olympic Distance Triathlon, and 5k/10k/Run/Walk. Participants can choose to compete individually or on relay teams where awards will be presented to the top performers.