Bahamas Masqueraders, now in its 11th year, is set to deliver an unparalleled experience at today’s carnival road march, during a season where more than 80 percent of the group’s participants are tourists, according to Bahamas Masqueraders executive Krista Dean.
This year’s theme, Enchanted, will unleash mystical costumes on the streets of New Providence.
Dean shared her excitement for the upcoming festivities: “You’re definitely looking for the beauty of The Bahamas, the beauty of the costume and its people,” she said.
“And you’re also going to have a great vibe when it comes to your local and your international DJs, your international artists, which is the top in the Caribbean right now, meshed with the wonderful sounds of Junkanoo, which is second to none.
“You know, it’s unique to The Bahamas. So, it gives me great pride to share once again our country in the 11th year with the world.
Dean noted that this year, guests will got the opportunity to experience the Labour Day Junkanoo Parade as well as Bahamas Carnival.
“And the joy of that is they get to see it during Labour Day, and then they could return with their families later on down for Boxing Day and New Year,” she said.
“So, this is just a touch of what we have to offer. You know, we always say once is not enough.
“Even twice, you don’t get all of the stuff. So we want them to come back to The Bahamas. No, you know, just not one visit.”
Dean highlighted the often-overlooked economic impact of the carnival. She pointed out that 400 of the 500 revelers are tourists, underlining the event’s significance to tourism.
“Economically, you know, this is what we look for,” Dean said. “We want to look for a structure that we can depend on, and it touches the small man and goes straight up to the corporate world.
“You know, everybody gets a piece of that pie. And that’s the greatness of the carnival product. And that’s why it’s so successful around the world internationally.”
She further noted the global allure of carnivals, stating, “millions of people that chase carnival. And this year they have said that the islands has the gem. And so persons are flocking to the shore of The Bahamas to see what exactly we have to offer.
“They don’t want to see a mega carnival. They want to come and come for the food and the culture.”
The road march begins at Arawak Cay, moves along West Bay Street to Goodman’s Bay and back. The festitivites are expected to begin at 3 p.m.
