Residents and visitors to Harbour Island were able to celebrate all things Bahamian at the Ministry of Tourism’s annual Goombay Summer Festival from July 5-7.

Working with industry partners in Long Island to extend festivities that began with the American Independence celebrations, Ministry of Tourism representatives showcased Bahamian music, food and culture in an effort to show what Harbour Island has to offer.

“The event has grown exponentially in Harbour Island,” said the Ministry of Tourism’s Harbour Island manager, June Dean. “Last year we attracted more than 400 visitors and we expect to double those numbers this year.”

The Goombay Summer Festival highlights cultural delights such as traditional Goombay Dancers, Ring Play, Rake n’ Scrape Bands, Limbo and Fire Dancers, food demonstrations, Androsia Fashion, a Kids’ Corner, Magic Man, Face Painters, People to People Booth, a Junkanoo Rush Out and live concert featuring popular local performers.

“Highlighting elements of Bahamian culture is always cause for celebration, and this festival is no exception to that,” said Rissie Demeritte, the Ministry of Tourism’s senior manager of communications. “It gives Bahamians a reason to come together and allows for visitors to indulge in elements that make the Bahamian culture truly unique.”

Goombay Summer Festival will be held throughout various islands, including the Berry Islands, San Salvador and Bimini, from now until August 31.