By Sayuri Vargas-Hernandez, Contributing Writer
Do you know why the Bahamas is a famous island? It has over 700 islands and beautiful white-sand beaches surrounded by an outstanding palette of deep blue and turquoise waters.
The most popular tourist destinations are New Providence Island, Paradise Island, the Exumas, the Abacos, and the Andros, just to name a few.
Each of these islands offers something unique, from luxurious resorts and deep nightlife, to secluded beaches and incredible natural beauty.
For instance, many visitors love to visit the swimming pigs because once they get closer to Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island, they’ll see some pigs swimming out to your boat to greet the visitors. Pigs love to swim and interact with people, which is an excellent opportunity to take pictures with them.
(Photos were taken by Sayuri Vargas)
“We are known for our beautiful crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches, the swimming pigs, the food, and the welcoming people,” said Thalia Smith, a junior international student majoring in biomedical and health science.
The Bahamas also offers an enjoyable blend of African, Caribbean, and European food influences. There is a strong passion for fresh seafood and tropical flavors, such as conch dishes, which are versatile ingredients that can be prepared differently.
(Photos were taken by Sayuri Vargas)
Most visitors love the conch salad, a refreshing dish made with raw, diced conch marinated in lime juice mixed with chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Another great meal is a cracked conch, which is breaded and deep-fried until it turns golden brown. It’s very similar to fried calamari and is commonly served with a squeeze of lime.
Usually, The Bahamas expect visitors from Dec. until Apr., which is an excellent opportunity for tourists to learn more about one of the most anticipated festivals in the Bahamas – The Junkanoo Festival, which is a vibrant and culturally meaningful event in the Bahamas.
Junkanoo is celebrated twice yearly, on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Typically, it starts in the early morning hours, around 2 a.m., and continues until after sunrise. Junkanoo is more than just a celebration; it symbolizes Bahamians’ history, culture, and identity. Bahamians take time to honor their ancestors, celebrate their freedom, and showcase their artistic talent to the world.
“My favorite thing about the Bahamas is how united we are regarding Junkanoo; it’s when everybody gets together on Bay Street. It’s good to see the customs that the group took so long to make. This is just my favorite part from the Bahamas and being Bahamian,” said Keleah Stubbs, a junior international student majoring in business management with a minor in accounting.
The Bahamas is a beautiful country where you can find the best time to visit and learn more about the culture. Dec. to mid-Apr. offers the best weather and activities, so do not hesitate to add it to your “must-travel list.”
