“It’s a celebration of Bahamian music, dance, food and culture”

TAINO BEACH, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND- Goombay Summer Festival is back! With five Thursday’s of rich cultural excitement and expressions of Bahamian heritage beginning July 3rd- August 7th, 2014. Drawing light on the rich history of the music and dance of the Goombay goat-skinned drum, this year marks the festival’s 40th Anniversary!

Originally launched in 1974, Goombay Summer was a celebration that became a huge draw for visitors. Over the years, Goombay Summer was sometimes called Junkanoo in June and Junkanoo Summer Festival, but more recently, it has returned to its original name. It is a celebration of authentic Bahamian music, dance, cuisine and craft.
Goombay Summer remains a signature cultural event for the Ministry of Tourism and in this tone of festivity, the Ministry continues to celebrate its Golden Jubilee; 50 years of promoting Tourism to the world, focusing on 2014 as the year of culture.
Ministry of Tourism’s Betty Bethel, Director for Grand Bahama Island added that the festival is designed to heighten the visitor experience and increase visitor spend, driving economic growth. Bethel acknowledged that it also creates an atmosphere for participants to feel the rhythm, culture and character of Goombay uniquely packaged into the indigenous flavors of Grand Bahama Island. Grand Bahamians, residents and visitors will enjoy conch demonstrations, coconut demonstrations, nature walks, bush tea tasting and the Ministry’s signature People-to-People experience.

Goombay Summer Festival will be held at Taino Beach from 6pm to midnight, July 3rd to August 7th, 2014. The event will feature the best in Bahamian entertainment, including performances by: The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, Ira Storr and The Spank Band, Stileet, Veronica Bishop, Dyson Knight, Wilfred Solomon, Geno D, Puzzle, KB and many more!