Independence Week

The islands of the Bahamas collectively make an effort to collaborate together for one of the most unforgettable celebrations in the Caribbean. This is a great time to visit and have lots of choices of things to do in the Bahamas. If any visitor looking to vacation in the Nassau or Freeport Bahamas during the week of July 11th, they will be in for a treat, and a surprise of a lifetime.

July 11th marks the actual day that the Bahamas became independent from Great Britain in 1973 at 12:01 a.m. The collection of 700 islands that make up the Bahamas have dedicated the way they do their celebrations as how the islands are made up: spread out, and scattered. The festivities of Independence Week have been plenty and give guests lots of events to attend instead of the usual firework display, which will happen continuously throughout the week. Some other events guests may enjoy attending could be an Art Exhibition in Pompey Square, a Cultural Concert, a Swearing-In Ceremony of the new Governor, National Pride Day celebration, a Beat Retreat in Parliament Square, watch the Final Address of the current Governor, go to a Ball, attend a Gospel Concert, or go to the Entertainer’s Concert in Arawak Cay on the day of Independence.

These celebrations on each of the islands usually include a type of parade to display Junkanoo dancing in full costume, as well as carnivals, political and uplifting speeches, and fireworks will be displayed for all the islands to see. In the case of the fireworks exploding, the Bahamas national anthem is usually played as well. The Bahamas national anthem is called March on Bahamaland, and was made the anthem in 1973 after Timothy Gibson wrote and entered it into the competition.

The Bahamians see their independence as a peaceful victory, after 1967, the Progressive Liberal Party was successful in the general elections. Two years after that win, the Bahamas became the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, for which it is known as to this day. The Bahamas flag was made with the islands in mind, with the blue representing the ocean, the yellow for sand, and the black for the unity as a nation.

Visiting the Bahamas is already an exciting trip, but to also come for the week of Independence is truly a treat. Bring the whole family for the festivities, parades and fireworks for a week long of things to do in the Bahamas.