COCONUT GROVE – It’s Goombay Time again! This first week in June heralds in the 33rd Annual Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove, Florida. This festival, celebrates the culture and roots of early Bahamian settlers in Coconut Grove is the largest black heritage festival in the United States.
The Goombay Committee is dedicated to recognizing, promoting and educating residents of Miami-Dade County and the tourists who visit about the Bahamas and American rich traditions and heritages.”
The festival will feature vendors featuring Bahamian arts and crafts, original Bahamian dishes, authentic Junkanoo artistry, and also highlight American traditions with African American arts & crafts and food.
The King of Goombay this year is the 2008 Rhode Scholar Athlete, Mr. Myron Rolle, who is proud of his Bahamian heritage.
The Festival will kick off with a Pirates Reception at Chilis Restaurant in Coco Walk on Thursday, June 4th from 6 – 10p.m. There will be music, dancing, 2 for 1 drinks and rushing with the Sunshine Junkanoo Group. The celebration continues on Friday night with a VIP Reception for sponsors and honored guests at Peacock Park.
In keeping with it’s tradition, the main event of the Festival takes place on Saturday June 6 when the rhythmic sounds of the goatskin drums and cowbells burst through the air and force everyone, young and old to swing to the beat of the Junkanoos as they parade on the streets of Grand Avenue displaying their colorful costumes and unique music.
During the street festival, the Historical Pioneer’s Luncheon will be held at noon in Gibson Hall at Christ Episcopal Church. Pioneer families will be honored.
On Sunday, a special worship service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Coconut Grove.
There is something to wet every appetite, old and young alike will enjoy themselves as we share in celebrating the history and culture that has molded this community.
Junkanoo Dancers performing at the Miami Dade Public Library Art of Story Telling (file photo)
